MUREWA United owner Bernard Murambidzi is appealing for additional sponsors, warning that the cost of sustaining an unbeaten team could derail the club's push for promotion to top-flight football.
With a 30-player squad, the club spends about US$500 a week on winning bonuses alone for its 18-member matchday squad. Transport, salaries and other operational costs push the bill even higher with every victory.
The newly rebranded Murewa United, formerly Spartans FC, top the Zifa Mashonaland East Division 2B table after 16 matches without defeat.
The Murewa side has recorded 10 wins and six draws, boasts the division’s best defensive record with just seven goals conceded, and leads second-placed Kufatichitonga FC by one point on 36.
When NewsDay Sport first interviewed Murambidzi earlier this year, he was an ambitious football administrator leading the little-known Spartans FC and determined to elevate rural football in Murewa.
Months later, that ambition has translated into results.
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“Spartans FC was renamed Murewa United after we joined Division Two. We are top of the log, unbeaten and dominating,” Murambidzi told NewsDay Sport.
“Winning is exciting, but the biggest challenge is paying bonuses and salaries. Fortunately, I found a sponsor who is passionate about supporting the youth of Murewa,” he said.
That sponsor is Nyams Beef, owned by businessman Chakanetsa Nyamanjiva, who has played a key role in funding the club’s campaign.
Murambidzi’s partner, Abraham Makwarimba, has also provided financial assistance and transport support.
Even so, the financial pressure continues to mount.
“The biggest challenge is consistently paying bonuses. At one stage we won eight matches in a row while paying US$30 in winning bonuses and US$40 in salaries,” Murambidzi said.