The failure to ascertain professional football resumption by the local board, ZIFA, has struck the heart of Chiredzi Stars as they fail to conclude sponsorship deals.
By Costain Shamu
Just like any institute, Covid-19 has taken it’s toll financially on the football club from the lowveld region and even the physical fitness and discipline of the players is of great concern.
Professional football has been halted for almost a year now and the fitness facilities have since been closed due to the pandemic making it difficult to manage any club locally.
According to the club’s Secretary General and CEO, Mr Taurai Dzoro, the club has failed to acquire any sponsorship deal due to the failure of ZIFA to come up with a fixed schedule and this has greatly affected their preparation for the upcoming season.
“The uncertainty of the resumption of football in Zimbabwe has also adversely affected us as we are failing to conclude any sponsorship deal.” said Mr Dzoro.
He also added that the club has recently lost a lucrative kit sponsorship deal from a South African based company but he could not shed more information as the club is not giving up on the pursuit.
“Only recently we lost a kit sponsorship deal with a South African based company due to those reasons but I cannot give you more details as we are still pursuing the deal.” added Mr Dzoro.
When asked about the physical fitness of the players, Mr Dzoro stated that the coaches have designed individual training programs and also the team manager is always in contact with the players but it’s a bit challenging since some of the players are not local.
“Our physical fitness facilities have been closed due to the lockdown but our team manager is in constant contact with the players although it’s a challenge because not all players reside in Chiredzi.” stated Mr Dzoro.
The club CEO also iterated that the club is geared to fight if the opportunity rises and hopes the authorities can come up with a solution to end this uncertainty that is hindering progress.
“We just hope the football authorities will come up with a concrete plan and end this uncertainty. Once the greenlight is given, we are geared to fight and give our youngsters a chance to fight.” said the Secretary General.
Chiredzi Stars finished 8th on the Eastern Division in 2019 and won the Eastern region best run project in the same year.
