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Dube pledges support for lower division clubs

Sport
ZIFA president Cuthbert Dube has promised to help lower division football leagues and clubs find resources as part of the association’s grassroots development programme.

ZIFA president Cuthbert Dube has promised to help lower division football leagues and clubs find resources as part of the association’s grassroots development programme. SPORTS REPORTER

Dube officiated at the Mashonaland Central Division Two awards which he bankrolls, rewarding teams that have gained promotion into Division One.

Forrester United and Mushowani Stars were promoted from the province’s Division 2B and 2A respectively and will be contesting for a single place in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League in the Northern Region Division One.

Dube, who also donated $1 000 in addition to funding the awards, said that they would be making another tour in the provinces to explore ways they can help develop football.

“We want to promote good corporate governance in the lower division leagues,” said Dube.

“We will try by all means to assist the leagues and individual teams where we can.

“Football development has got to start at grassroots and our 2013 budget is development oriented.”

Forrester and Mushowani were both promoted ahead of the more illustrious Bindura United and Zimasco who both finished second in the respective leagues.

BancABC’s Desmond Ali, who was guest of honour, also promised to help find sponsorship for the lower division leagues.

The development drive has seen a team from a rural set up Mushowani, gain promotion while Forrester is also from a remote area.

Ali encouraged both teams to stay at their bases and not be tempted to move to Bindura. “To both teams that have won promotion, I say stay there in the rural areas that you come from,” said Ali.

“Your presence in those areas will not only help in developing the game in that area, but I think you lose identity if you move into the towns, continue tapping into talent in that area and I am sure you will be successful.”

Mushowani suffered just two defeats in 30 games without any draw, accumulating 84 points while Forrester had 70.

They each received a shield and cash sponsored by Dube and Ali.