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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
NETONE’S $1 million deal for Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United is a litmus test for the country’s football giants, who have always been viewed as bad boys of domestic football.

Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who was guest of honour at the launch of the sponsorship deal, challenged the clubs to be examples of good governance and professionalism on and off the pitch.

“I implore Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United to reciprocate this gesture by ensuring that there won’t be any forms of hooliganism during their games and thus ensuring that this marriage does not become a one-season offering.

“I urge these three to be transparent in handling this sponsorship. If I could have it my way, I would implore NetOne to pay for goods and services directly to the providers and avoid paying cash to the teams.

“It is my sincere wish that more teams benefit from this partnership, but as beneficiaries of the pilot project, the onus is on you the three clubs here to make sure it succeeds.

“I kindly urge all the stakeholders such as club administrators, match officials, PSL, ZIFA and the SRC to ensure that a conducive environment prevails for the benefit of our beautiful game,’’ said Kazembe.

CAPS United president Farai Jere said the 2016 champions cannot afford spoil their new marriage.
Makepekepe have been punching above their weight in the last few years to stay afloat without corporate partners.
The Green Machine have been struggling with the record of being the most ill-disciplined team after accumulating the most disciplinary points in the last two seasons.

Jere said mechanisms were being put in place to safeguard the sponsors’ image.
“As CAPS United, we want to give an assurance that this sponsorship will be jealously guarded and we will protect the image of our partners,’’ he said.

“We can guarantee that you will see a different, efficient and successful CAPS United from now onwards because of this sponsorship.

“As you are aware, the other two clubs here – Dynamos and Highlanders – have always had sponsors, but CAPS United have done well without sponsorship.

“In recent years, we have done extremely well, (in) the last three years better than Dynamos and Highlanders.
“So we value this sponsorship very well and you will see a very different CAPS United,” said Jere.

Dynamos president Kenny Mubaiwa said the Glamour Boys, who also have a poor record, have plans to mobilise their supporters countrywide.

“No one would want to partner a club that tarnishes their image. So this is a vote of confidence from NetOne.
“Speaking for Dynamos, we have a duty to protect the reputation of the game and also to make sure the image of the sponsor is not tarnished.

“What we would want to promise NetOne is that we have a huge database.
“We are called ‘Seven Million’ and we want our fans to support the new sponsor who has come on board.
“NetOne should get full value for their investment and soon we will be going round the country to mobilise our supporters’ chapters.

“Everyone knows the times are hard, businesses are struggling in Zimbabwe and for us football clubs to meet the expenses associated with a big brand like ours is a mammoth task.

“NetOne have come at the right time. It’s a great relief to us because we have been hoping that our long-time friends BancABC should by now have confirmed an extension to our partnership.

“We are still expecting them, but they have not said a word up to now.
“Already we have had some challenges with our players,” said Mubaiwa.

His sentiments were also shared by new Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlope, who is hoping to take the Bulawayo giants back to the top.

“Our will to win is amazing and our resolve to partner an organisation sharing our vision is unshakable.
“We therefore say thank you NetOne for considering brand Highlanders in this wonderful sponsorship package.

“It is our firm hope that this sponsorship will go a long way in enabling Highlanders to return to the good old days, when black and white ruled the roost.

“Our marriage with NetOne has always been sweet. For those in the know, we were last champions of the NetOne Challenge Cup, which we grabbed in style at our beloved Barbourfields Stadium three years ago,” said Mhlope.