Mbada Diamonds Holdings last night unveiled a $75 000 sponsorship package for the Warriors ahead of Sundays 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Guinea.
The match will be played at the National Sports Stadium. Mbada, who are also sponsors of the Mbada Diamonds Cup, have put aside $50 000 for winning bonuses should the Warriors manage to beat Guinea.
They will get $25 000 if they draw and nothing in the event of a loss.
The Warriors were given $12 500 as appearance fees, and an additional $6 500 as camping allowances.
They also got kits for home and away matches. Speaking at the function, Mbada corporate services manager George Manyaya said the onus is now on the Warriors to play and win without worrying about financial challenges.
We are supporting a national cause and we want the Warriors to forget money issues and concentrate on the game. We hope the players and the technical team will maintain high standards of professionalism before, during and after the match.
We are also appealing to the supporters to come in their numbers and support the team, said Manyaya.
Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze paid tribute to Mbada for the timely gesture. We are very grateful and thankful for this timely partnership which has come at a time when we are hoping for positive results and a positive start that will lead the Warriors to the Holy Grail.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
This is a long campaign which includes the World Cup and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and we hope that this partnership will continue for the entire campaign.
The function was attended by the entire Warriors squad and the technical team headed by Rahman Gumbo, Zifa board member marketing Nigel Munyati, board member finance Elliot Kasu, Mbada administration officer Major Mahlangu and chief executive officer Patience Khumalo.
lMeanwhile, striker Knowledge Musona limped out of a training session at the National Sports Stadium yesterday, casting doubt over his availability for the Sunday match.
Musona clashed with defender Patson Jaure in a tussle for possession and the striker came off worse. It looked like the Germany-based striker twisted his ankle, and from his reaction after the clash, the injury looked serious.
He fell down clutching his foot and immediately called for help from the technical bench. Other players gathered around the writhing Musona, and all looked very concerned.
Team doctor Nicky Munyonga and physiotherapist Farai Muguwe attended to him and after a prolonged treatment, the heavily bandaged Musona limped to the team bus outside the stadium.
Coach Rahman Gumbo was closely monitoring his chief striker and looked a worried man. However, Munyonga said there was no need to press the panic button as yet.
Its always difficult to assess a fresh injury, but from my initial assessment I will categorise it as a minor injury. He should be ready for the game, he said.
The doctor also allayed fears over injuries of midfielders Ovidy Karuru and Khama Billiat. Billiat did not train on Monday due to an ankle problem and had been ruled out of the match before the technical team made a surprise U-turn two days later.
Karuru missed Tuesday and Wednesday training sessions with a shoulder problem, but was back in the fold yesterday.
For the past two days, we were just being cautious, but he trained today and he looked OK, said Munyonga.
The Warriors continued with their training session with a workout in the afternoon as Gumbo tried different combinations.
From their session yesterday, it is becoming clear that Gumbo will go for Tapuwa Kapini in goals while Esrom Nyandoro and Carrington Nyadombo will partner at the heart of defence.
It is on the wingbacks that Gumbo is undecided. On Wednesday during a friendly match against Caps United, the former Warriors midfielder played Onismor Bhasera at the back, but yesterday he tried Vusa Nyoni in that position.
Oscar Machapa also played at the right back against Caps, but it was Tapuwa Khumbuyani who played in that position yesterday.
In midfield, Tinashe Nengomasha anchored while Denver Mukamba and Billiat played on the wings. Archford Gutu continued with his creative role with Karuru playing just in front of him, but behind striker Takesure Chinyama.
If Musona recovers in time, he is sure to regain his position upfront to partner Chinyama and Gumbo would be forced to axe one of the midfielders, which would be a tough decision for him.
