Story by Lawrence Trusida
THE ZIFA Northern Region has secured a major financial boost after signing a year-long sponsorship agreement worth US$310 000 with property developers MCM Estates, a partnership expected to significantly strengthen the league’s capacity to prepare clubs for Premier Soccer League football.
The deal, unveiled on Saturday evening, positions the Northern Region as one of the most commercially supported lower leagues in the country, reinforcing its reputation as a critical pathway to elite football.
Beyond the headline figure, the partnership includes a US$2 000 goodwill signing gesture, monthly performance-based incentives of US$350 for the coach, top goal scorer, goalkeeper and player of the month, as well as a unique end-of-season reward package.
Under the agreement, five outstanding players will each receive a holiday home stand valued at US$24 000, a move aimed at improving player welfare and long-term motivation.
“We are in here for the long haul. As a company, we were touched by the appeal of Agama, which is also from Mashonaland Central and we understood what football means to the community, so we decided to help make the journey smoother for the clubs,” MCM Estates CEO, Anthony McMullen said.
ZIFA Northern Region chairperson Sweeny Mushonga welcomed the sponsorship, describing it as a turning point for the league.
“We are grateful for this gesture. It will make our lives easier and we want to transform football and be a league that everyone envies. Our job is to prepare teams for the top flight and we are doing just that.”
The unveiling also saw top players from the previous season being honoured, with Simon Grey Kufandada being named the league’s best player from the just-ended season.
The former Herentals and Bulawayo City striker also scooped the Golden Boot award after netting 17 goals.
Guest of Honour at the Awards ceremony, legendary former Warriors captain and coach Sunday Chidzambwa, challenged players to be disciplined.
“For one to go far, you need to be disciplined. I have seen a lot of great players fail in football because of lack of discipline. Discipline is everything in football and hardworking and disciplined players go further than just talented players.” he added.
Agama were the big winners, with their coach Paul Chimalizeni named Coach of the Year, while they also had three players in the Best Eleven.
The event also saw Honourable Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, the Member of Parliament for Mt Darwin South where Agama hails from, joining in to celebrate with his home team.
