Story by Tinashe Mutazu
GRASSROOTS football in Bulawayo has received a major boost after Harris Lodges unveiled a sponsorship package for the Alibaba Football Foundation, strengthening private sector support for youth talent development.
The sponsorship includes transport, playing kits and food for the junior team, providing young players with resources to support their development on and off the field.
Saturday’s handover ceremony was marked by scenes of celebration as players received the sponsorship, with many expressing gratitude for the support.
For several of the youngsters, it was the first time they had benefited from such assistance.
“We feel happy to have been honoured with this huge sponsorship. It will go a long way for us,” said one player.
Established in 2023, the Alibaba Football Foundation was founded by respected Bulawayo junior football scout and talent developer Alibaba Dube, who has been identifying and nurturing young players since the 1980s.
Many footballers who later played for Highlanders came through his development programmes.
Dube welcomed the sponsorship, saying it would strengthen the foundation’s work.
“I feel humbled to have been remembered. This will help the foundation continue nurturing more talent,” he said.
Presenting the sponsorship on behalf of Harris Lodges Chief Executive Officer Tonderai Rice, the company’s General Manager, Lwazilwenkosi Sikhuza, said investing in young people is a shared responsibility.
“We had to stretch our hand to this foundation so that we capacitate these future stars,” he said.
The sponsorship is expected to enhance the Alibaba Football Foundation’s talent identification and development programmes, creating more opportunities for aspiring footballers from Bulawayo to develop their skills and pursue careers in the sport.
