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Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI

THE Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West Province, Marian Chombo, has called upon the residents of the provincial capital and the corporate world to support local football side, Chinhoyi Stars ,in their quest to conquer the Northern Region Division One League. 

Chombo said football is the world’s most popular game which has become a big paying industry. 

She said this during a fundraising dinner that was held at Chinhoyi Showgrounds recently.

About US$8 000 was raised, including pledges of three football kits. 

AfricaBet pledged one of the kits. 

“Right now we have Ngezi Platinum, Chegutu Pirates, and ZPC Kariba plying their trade in the Premier Soccer League. 

“I believe Mashonaland West Province deserves more teams playing in the Premier Soccer League and that is achievable only with the support of everyone.

“We are gathered here for a good cause, to raise funds for Chinhoyi Stars in its quest to fight for promotion into the top-flight league. 

“The club is facing a lot of financial challenges and is operating on a shoe-string budget, resulting in them failing to attract a quality top coach and players,. 

Chombo said the club was failing to pay its coach and players on time. 

“The club is surviving on donations, especially from the Thomas Chidzomba Foundation, which has been playing a pivotal role in its survival. 

“Without a solid financial base, the club can lose some of its best players to top teams who can afford to pay them better salaries. 

“The club needs about US$76 000 to fulfil its dream of playing in the top flight next season and this can only be done with your support, especially in the corporate world,” said Chombo.

The Mayor of Chinhoyi, Own Charuza, said he did not attend the fundraising dinner in his official capacity, but also as a former coach of ZESA football club. 

“It is an honour to grace this fundraising dinner as we look to the future of sporting excellence in Chinhoyi. 

“My council has over the years supported sport through sponsoring of soccer teams as well as netball sides.” 

Charuza said: “Council started sponsoring soccer teams a long way back from Chinhoyi Tigers, Chimurenga, and the current Chinhoyi Stars team.” 

The Chinhoyi council footed the team’s affiliation fees, providing fuel for away games as well as paying the referee’s fees.

Chinhoyi Stars chairman, Tapiwa Chitate, thanked the Municipality of Chinhoyi for their support through payment of affiliation fees which kept the team in the race for promotion to Division One. 

“But most importantly, I thank you on behalf, and in my capacity as chairperson of Chinhoyi Stars, for providing us with a home ground. This ground is where our team has built an intimidating fortress where giants are slain. 

“It has become a place where the Chinhoyi community, rich or poor, rub shoulders, unite, and with our war cry, intimidate our foes. It has become a place of family entertainment through during the weekends.” 

Chitate said: “Be blessed as our beloved local authority for such an exceptional corporate responsibility initiative, I know your contribution to the team will inspire other corporates and organisations to take part in this exciting venture. 

“I also would want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Chidzomba Foundation for supporting us on our road to promotion. It has religiously provided our beloved team with transport for our away games and other expenses.” 

Chitate acknowledged the support received from other individuals such as Trust Sauramba and Leslie Mhangwa, the MP for Chinhoyi. 

“We are in Division One football and ready to take on another bruising hectic season with our main objective being promotion into the Premier Soccer League. 

“We are confident as a club that we can achieve the impossible and bring PSL football to Chinhoyi, our provincial capital.” 

Chitate said the fundraising dinner was an opportunity for the corporate world to be part of a brighter future that will bring exciting returns to their business portfolios.

“Chinhoyi Stars needs partners for it to reach its goals. We need sponsors and in return we offer exciting opportunities to a very huge market that spans the length and breadth of our league.”