TELECOMMUNICATIONS firm NetOne has unveiled a US$50 000 sponsorship package for the second edition of the President’s Cup Golf Tournament, as the event evolves from an amateur competition into a prestigious Pro-Am.
The announcement was made yesterday at a ceremony held at the Police Golf Club.
This year’s tournament will tee off at Bulawayo Country Club from April 14 to 17, serving as a precursor to the country’s Independence Day celebrations.
Guest of honour and deputy Sports minister Emily Jesaya said the tournament goes beyond sport and aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader development ambitions.
“The President's Cup is more than a golf tournament; it is a platform that embodies our national aspirations under Vision 2030—to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable upper-middle-income economy, leaving no one or place behind,” she said.
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Jesaya noted that golf plays a strategic role in economic and diplomatic networking.
“Unlike many other sporting disciplines, golf is deeply embedded within business, diplomatic and professional networks. It provides an environment where relationships are forged, partnerships are cultivated and ideas that drive economic growth are conceived,” she said.
She also commended NetOne’s corporate social responsibility efforts and urged more companies to invest in sport.
Standing in for NetOne group CEO Raphael Mushanawani, Mobile Financial Services general manager Joseph Machiva said the company was proud to support an initiative aligned with the vision of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“This tournament is more than golf. It is a demonstration of leadership, vision and collaboration, a platform where sport, business and development converge,” he said. “At NetOne, we believe that every stroke in golf mirrors every strategic decision in business and nation-building. Precision, discipline and focus determine success.”
Machiva reaffirmed NetOne’s commitment to national progress, saying the company supports initiatives that strengthen Zimbabwe and raise its profile on the continental and global stage.
The shift to a Pro-Am format has also excited the Zimbabwe Professional Golfers Association, whose president, Akil Yusuf, described the development as historic for local golf.
“Golf in Zimbabwe is standing at a very historic threshold. We recognise that our professional athletes are not just players and sportsmen, they are ambassadors to Zimbabwe's national brand.
He added that the partnership would help grow sports tourism and raise Zimbabwe’s profile in international golf.
The President’s Cup will also serve as a warm-up event for the Zimbabwe Open, scheduled for early May at Royal Harare Golf Club.
Organisers also revealed plans to expand the event by introducing a President’s Cup Junior Golf Tournament aimed at nurturing young talent.
After the tournament concludes on April 17, participants and officials will travel to Maphisa for this year’s Zimbabwe Independence Day celebrations, linking the sporting spectacle with national commemorations.