Story by Tafara Chikumira
CENTRAL Region returnees Kwekwe United FC have received a major sponsorship boost ahead of the 2026 season after the club was acquired by business mogul and politician Scott Sakupwanya through his Betterbrands brand.
The development comes as the Kwekwe-based club intensifies preparations for a quick return to the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League following relegation last season during their maiden campaign in the topflight.
The club officially unveiled its new kit and sponsorship deal during a ceremony held on Saturday evening, signalling renewed ambitions for the upcoming campaign.
A representative of Betterbrands, Mr Musa Gwasira, said the sponsorship aims to stabilise the club financially while supporting its quest to regain topflight status.
“We were not pleased by the relegation of the club due to financial constraints last season. In light of that, we, as Betterbrands have decided to come on board. The club sponsor, Mr Scott Sakupwanya, has sent US$100 000 in cash for the club. I was also shown three top-of-the-range vehicles to be collected on Tuesday in Harare. In addition, the team has been presented with a team bus, which will be collected later this week,” he said.
The partnership also seeks to equip players with financial skills beyond their playing careers.
Club president Miss Bridget Mudhosi said the initiative will include mentorship programmes focusing on financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
“We have noticed that many players go bankrupt soon after hanging up their boots. Our partnership means that every player will undergo mentorship programmes on financial literacy. We will also advance lump sums to players so that they can start side businesses while they are still playing. This will help them understand how the business world operates,” she said.
Club chairman Mr Francis Tavagadza expressed confidence that the new sponsorship will strengthen the team’s performance.
“We can now safely say we are back in the game. We will not disappoint our sponsors this time around. A return to the PSL should be guaranteed as we are working on ways not to disappoint our fans and sponsors,” he said.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Owen Ncube reaffirmed Government’s support for sports development in the country.
“This is important as the club seeks a quick return to PSL and the government is fully behind this initiative. This sponsorship resonates with the unveiling of US$25 million by Emmerson Mnangagwa, which will reshape the football fraternity as a whole,” he said.
Meanwhile, the unveiling ceremony also saw a signed team jersey fetching US$22 100 during an auction.
