Obama Boys striker Nashio Basandawo curled a beautiful goal that led to his team’s victory over Star FM last Saturday to cap a fine day witnessed by United States Ambassador Bruce Wharton and several Embassy staff.
BY YOLANDA NDLOVU
Star FM were beaming with confidence and hoping for a victory after their 8-2 demolition of Lifebouy the previous weekend. However they found the going tough despite mounting a first half assault led by former national team rookie striker Moore Moyo, Howard Musonza and Casper Machona that yielded nothing after a resolute display by Josh McCaleb, in goals for the Obama Boys.
However the afternoon belonged to the 22-year old Basandawo and his team mates. Basandawo, who captains the Obama Boys, was on hand prior to the match to receive a new uniform from Ambassador Wharton who is leading a number of Embassy staff in sponsoring the Alexandra Park based outfit.
“I feel strong,” said Basandawo. “The new kit is light and you get the feeling it was made for this kind of weather.”
Watch US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton speaking below:
The uniforms are branded “ZimStrong” and are made from the popular Diadora brand.
- 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
The “ZimStrong” branded uniforms reflect the American diplomat’s desire to see a strong Zimbabwe. With funding over $120 million each year in Zimbabwe, US government programs are aimed at supporting health and improving economic self-sustenance.
“ZimStrong captures the idea and the work that I want the American government to do in Zimbabwe,” explained Ambassador Wharton. ”I want us to help make all Zimbabweans strong, whether they are young or old people, whether its health or agriculture or the economy, that’s the best thing for Zimbabwe and the United States.”
“The U.S. support to health, agriculture and youth programs seeks to help create a welcoming environment into which we hope the Zimbabwean diaspora will return to bolster those improvements,” said the American diplomat.
Obama Boys is part of the Harare Professionals Soccer League comprising commercial companies and nongovernmental organisations. The team won the HPSL title in 2014 dislodging then defending champions, Zim Lawyers. During that year, the team donned PEPFAR inscribed uniforms. Pepfar represents the United States President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief and has committed $95 million in 2015 to HIV prevention, care and treatment programs in Zimbabwe.
From the pothole filled streets of Alexandra Park, the Embassy staff found the nucleus of what has become a formidable outfit in the HPSL.
“We have an international outfit capable of playing any team in Zimbabwe,” remarked Sizani Weza, President of the Obama Boys. The team has played friendly matches with teams in higher leagues and this year registered 29 players, including two diplomats, who will take part in this year’s campaign.
Among the contenders for the title in the HPSL include new boys Spar DC and Marlbereign Sharks both of whom have started strongly.
However they will have to contend with seasoned campaigners that include GSC City Wolves, Star FM and the defending champions who drew their first match against Zim Lawyers and registered victories against new boys Cornway Bullets and Star FM.
