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Timely boost for Chapungu, Blue Swallows
Sports Reporter
STRUGGLING Air Force Of Zimbabwe sides Chapungu United and Blue Swallows got a timely boost ahead of their respective campaigns for promotion into the Premiership when they received kit donations from the Islamic Republic of Iran yesterday.
The kits were handed over to the Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal Perrence Shiri by the Iranian ambassador to Zimbabwe Rasoul Momeni at the Airforce headquarters in Harare as a token of the growing relations between the two countries.
Chapungu will be fighting for honours in the Southern Region Division One while Blue Swallows who are expected to switch from the Eastern Region to the Northern Region will also be seeking a return to the top-flight.
The two sides have now been guaranteed new kits ahead of the start of their 2010 campaigns.
Momeni also wished the two teams who have in the past produced a number of talented players, better fortunes this year.
"Considering that the Air Force of Zimbabwe has very talented sports teams participating in different disciplines especially in soccer, as a token of our friendship and continuation of assistance programme, we have pleasure to present you sports kits for your teams.
"We wish them success in their future sporting activities as well as in defending the sovereignty of the country," said Momeni.
Shiri expressed his gratitude for the timeliness of the donation as the two teams who have been wallowing in Division One seek to resume their battles to regain promotion into the top-flight league. Although Chapungu had a decent season in the Southern Region last year, Swallows had to fight hard to avoid relegation in the Eastern region before eventually finishing in mid-table.
The Manyame-based Swallows will also be hoping that a return to the Northern Region will not only cut costs for them but also herald a change in fortunes.
Shiri also acknowledged that the airmen had been struggling largely because of lack of resources.
"It is timely in that it has come when we were struggling to put together resources to kick start the campaign for the 2010 soccer season. Our vision is to have the two clubs playing top flight football in 2011," said Shiri.
Swallows coach and former Chapungu midfieder, Blessing Wachi, was also elated adding that the donation was enough motivation for the players ahead of the new season.
"We hope to do our best to get into the Premiership by 2011. The gesture by the Iranian embassy will surely motivate the players to do well and realise our vision of getting promotion,’’ Wachi said. |
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