DIAMOND mining concern Mbada Diamonds last weekend launched the Transau Cup that will see community teams in Arda Transau in Odzi that were relocated from Chiadzwa diamond fields to pave way for diamond mining activities participating.
Report by Clayton Maseskesa
The Transau Cup will see four teams from the community taking part and is set to change the face of the local game.
Last weekend saw Arda Transau, which is a community team, beating Mbada Diamonds Engineering team 5-2 on penalties to win the tournament. It won a cup and $500 prize money.
To proceed to the finals, Arda Transau closely edged The Eastern Scribes, a team of Manicaland-based journalists 2-1 and booked the final berth.
Mbada Diamonds Engineering had beaten fellow workmates Mbada Diamonds Security 4–3 on penalties to proceed to the finals.
Apart from the trophy and prize money, the participating teams received two sets of uniforms, soccer boots and balls.
Launching the tournament last Saturday at St Wellington Primary School, George Manyaya, Mbada Diamonds corporate services executive, said the sponsorship deal was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
- 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
Said Manyaya: “As Mbada Diamonds, we have a moral obligation to give back to the community. We are planning to host this tournament bi-annually and we hope to increase the prize money.”
He added: “It is a cherished occasion for us as Mbada Diamonds in our quest and commitment to continue supporting and uplifting our communities through the sponsorship of the most treasured sport of soccer in our communities. At Mbada Diamonds, our motto is harnessing diamonds for the people and what better way is there than to bring the game that the people love to them in their communities. We commit to continue bringing you the game and making it even bigger and better.”
Manyaya said Mbada Diamond’s involvement in football was one of their many social investment initiatives.
“Mbada Diamonds is doing a lot in terms of giving back to communities, donating to worthy and deserving causes and contributing to the economic growth and development agenda.” Manyaya added.
He said the mineral resources of Zimbabwe belonged to its citizens and Mbada Diamonds had the mandate to mine and exploit them.
“But we are cognisant of the fact that we have a responsibility to the people, which is why we do everything we can to give back to them,” Manyaya said.
He said the tournament would bring out the best of community based football.
“We are looking forward to have more awards in the tournaments such as player of the tournament, top goal scorer, best goal keeper and fair play team among others. This is just the beginning and I want to promise that the next tournament will be bigger and better,” he said.
