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WHAT A WINDFALL . . . Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president Admire Masenda (left), Zimbabwe Rugby Union chief executive Blessing Chiutare, Zimbabwe Cheetahs chairperson Colleen de Jong and Delta Corporation sales and marketing executive Stanley Muchenje unveil the $100 000 sponsorship package in Harare yesterday

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
AFTER a month of turbulence that rocked the Zimbabwe Rugby Union boat, a feel-good factor swept across the sport yesterday as Delta Beverages unveiled a $100 000 sponsorship deal for the Cheetahs.

It has been all gloomy in domestic rugby as the sport’s flagship side, the Sables, stumbled to their worst performance in the Africa Gold Cup, prompting the Sports Commission to suspend the ZRU executive committee led by Nyararai Sibanda.

But, the game’s long time partners Delta Beverages, yesterday revived their romance with the ZRU by coming on board to fund the Cheetahs and play a part in trying to help them qualify for the 2018 Sevens World Cup in San Francisco in the United States.

In stark contrast to the Sables, the Cheetahs have been model of professionalism in the way they have gone about their business.

At a function that drew a host of rugby’s stakeholders, the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, players and the media, Delta Beverages national sales and marketing executive Stanley Muchenje handed over the cheque to Sevens Rugby chairperson Colleen de Jong.

“Delta Beverages’ partnership with the Cheetahs, through our flagship Zambezi Lager brand, represents a fundamental belief we cherish, which is this that we are the makers of our own success as Zimbabweans,’’ said Muchenje.

‘‘Accountability for our national pride is clear and personal. In so many ways, the virtues and values of the Cheetahs, our amazing 7s side, are aligned to those of Zambezi Lager. We both believe in the inherent beauty of Zimbabwe and are brand ambassadors to tourists and locals alike.

‘‘Like this indomitable team playing proud in our national colours Zambezi, too, is a local lager, raising the colours of Zimbabwe’s flag high as one of 8 African beers to be sold around the world by the biggest beer company in the world, ABInbev, as Africa’s finest.

“But, words are easy, as team Zambezi Lager, we have staked some money on our faith in the Cheetahs. It thus gives me great pleasure to announce a total sponsorship to our 7s side of $100 000 over the period 2017 & 2018.

“We have split up this total amount into various categories, including renewal rights as title sponsors for the years 2017 and 2018 coming out to just over $50 000.

“Additionally, we have undertaken to build the profile and reputation of our team within our borders, by growing the grassroots appeal of the sport through various marketing initiatives pegged at a further $35000.

“The men and women who enjoy Zambezi Lager will have a chance to tour with the team as part of this support. Excitingly, we are also glad to, for the first time, to work with Zimbabwe Rugby and the Cheetahs to support a tournament in Victoria Falls next year, to which we will put up an initial amount of $15 000 – split amongst covering various set-up related expenses including, of course, keeping the national beer of pride flowing, Zambezi Lager.’’

Coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba has named an enlarged squad that will go into camp and will take part in the build-up tournaments.

Hilton Mudariki, who also starred for the Sables, has been named the stand-in captain of the Cheetahs.

“We are happy to have such support and I believe we will do our best we really appreciate the coming on board of Delta,’’ said Mudariki.

ZOC president Admire Masenda, who was among the guests, also saluted Delta.

“We are very grateful that as difficult as things are $100 000 is wonderful and for us as ZOC Sevens rugby is still a new baby at Olympics but it was one of the exciting sports in its first edition.

“We will be pleased if the country is represented in Tokyo,” said Masenda.

Provisional Squad:

Tapiwa Tsomondo, Riaan O’Neil (both False Bay, South Africa), Njabulo Ndlovu (UWC, SA), Biselele Tshamala, Ngoni Chibuwe (both College Rovers, SA), Brian Dube (Old Boys SA), Mkhululi Ndlela (Tucks, SA), Hilton Mudariki (Pirates, SA), Gardner Nechironga (Raiders, SA), Boyd Rouse (Samurai / Bury St Edmunds, UK), Connor Pritchard (Griffith University, Australia), Shane Makombe (RC Compiegnois, France), Tafadzwa Chitokwindo (TV Pforzheim, Germany), Lucky Sithole, Osborne Muhambi, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Zephaniah Nkomo, Takudzwa Francisco, Shingi Hlanguyo, Russell Dodo(all Harare Sports Club), Steven Hunduza, Scottie Jones, Lenience Tembwera, Takudzwa Chieza, Shingi Katsvere, Wilson Seremani (all Old Georgians), Innocent Nyatsanza, McDonald Kazingizi, Prince Dube (all Police Defenders), Gideon Muyambo, Dennis Museredzera (both Mutare Sports Club), Tinashe Gwisai, Joshua Gando, Tichafara Makwanya (all Old Hararians), Nelson Madida, Tarisai Mugariri, Walter Gode, Theodore Chiremba (all Matabeleland Warriors), Kilvan Magunje (Gweru Sports Club).