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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE National Association Of School Headmasters Under-17 soccer tournament finally got sponsorship after Arenel came on board to bankroll the tournament. The sponsorship was unveiled yesterday and the tournament will be sponsored to the tune of $152 000 this year. Speaking at the launch ceremony, guest of honour, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora, hailed the partnership.

“I feel honoured to stand before you during the launch of this ceremony and I am hopeful that it will help unveil talent within our schools.

“The event is important for us as it will help the young school-going kids take part in sport,” said Dokora.

The sponsors’ marketing manager, Tendai Taruvinga, said this was part of their corporate social responsibility programme.

“We are happy that we are now in support of soccer,” said Taruvinga.

“As Arenel, we have supported several sporting disciplines and hope getting into soccer is a step in the right direction.

“We have helped the All-Africa Games Hockey Under-17 team and partnered Cottco in the schools rugby tournament, among several other ventures.

“We are passionate about sport, especially soccer, and we would like to help the game from grassroots.”

NASH president Johnstone Madhuku said they are happy to have found a partner.

“We are grateful to Arenel for the support as the Under-17 had become a problem to us,” said Madhuku.

“The age group was now relying on NASH after the withdrawal of Alex “Dr Mash” Mashamhanda, through his M and H company, a few years back.

“The team is crucial as there is need to catch the youngsters while they are young and the programme started way back when Delma Lupepe sponsored it until a time when he had to leave.

“The coming on board of Arenel is good news for all the schools and I hope it will go a long way in supporting young talent. It is my hope that we are going to do well in supporting the sponsor throughout the journey and we promise to maintain his brand image.”

The soccer tournament will begin from the zonal level during the second term. Harare Province is the host and will provide two teams, while Mashonaland Central has last year’s NASH Under-17 winners Mavhuradonha and another representative.