With 12 days to go before the Warriors’ 2013 Africa Cup of Nations second leg football qualifier against Angola, the Mzansi90 fundraising committee has raised $210 000 after Mbada Diamonds Holdings poured in $200 000 yesterday.
Report by Wellington Toni Sports Editor The target is $500 000, which is expected to be raised before the end of the week.
Chairman of the committee George Manyaya told NewsDay Sport last night that Mbada Diamonds had poured in $200 000 to set the ball rolling amid overwhelming response from the corporate world across the country.
The money will finance the Warriors’ winning and qualification bonuses, which have been pegged at $10 000 per player, appearance fees, camping allowances, accommodation, food and air travel for the players from European and South African bases.
“$200 000 has been confirmed from Mbada Diamonds while the other $10 000 has come in from Buymore Investments. This is cash in the account and not pledges. Air Zimbabwe has also revised down its charges for chartered planes and we will make details available for fans interested in travelling soon while Led Car Hire will provide transport for the team while in camp.
“We want to show the world that we are able to sustain and uplift communities through the development of sport. If Angola can charter three planes, what can stop us from doing so?
“The only problem we are facing now is the overwhelming response from the corporate sector and I can assure the nation that a reputable accounting company is going to audit our books,” Manyaya said.
The committee was put in place last Tuesday with Bulawayo businessman Omega Sibanda elected as deputy to Manyaya to spearhead activities from the Southern Region. “The response from Bulawayo and the Southern Region is more than pleasing. Sibanda and his team are doing a wonderful job. One of the companies there, In-Sport, is going to kit the national team and TN branches across the country will have boxes for donations from fans.
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“The mining sector has also responded positively and we are going to announce more donations as they come in. We are grateful for the support from the nation and I can say everybody belongs to Mzansi90 and we are only spearheading on your behalf.”
Manyaya, a Mbada Diamonds corporate services executive, is also deputised by Chamu Chiwanza, managing director of One Turn Mining.
BancABC’s Desmond Ali is the treasurer while Joel Gombera of CBZ Bank will be in charge of marketing. Former television sports presenter Coxwell Chigwana is organising secretary.
Other notable names on the committee include Mbada Diamonds executive Major Mahlangu, Led Car Hire boss Bernard Gwarada, Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe president Tichaona Hwingwiri, FC Platinum club president Nathan Shoko and Vice-President John Nkomo’s son Jabulani Nkomo.
The Warriors lead 3-1 from the first leg played at Rufaro on September 9 and need to avoid a loss in Luanda to make their third appearance in the continental competition.
Warriors coach Rahman Gumbo has already named a squad for the match, recalling top striker Knowledge Musona, who turns out for Augsburg in Germany and Bidvest Wits midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha.
The pair missed the first leg after they received late call-ups for duty.
