The Southern Region Soccer League has secured a major boost ahead of the new season after unveiling Pacific as sponsors of this year’s programme under their Breeze brand.
The deal, valued at US$37 000, will see the competition rebranded as the Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League.
Pacific also partly sponsored the Southern Region Dibula Matibula Tournament, which was won by Nkayi United following a 2-0 victory over Hwange in the final at White City Stadium on Sunday.
Nkayi United pocketed US$2 000 for their triumph, while Hwange received US$1 500.
Casmyn finished third to earn US$1 000, while Bulawayo City also walked away with US$500.
The sponsorship marks a milestone for the Zifa Southern Region, coming shortly after clubs entrusted the leadership of the league to businessman Chris Mtungwazi, who was elected chairman last December.
Mtungwazi could not hide his excitement following the development.
“This sponsorship marks a major milestone in the history of the Zifa Southern Region Soccer League. It represents the first major commercial partnership secured by the league, and it sends a powerful message that regional football matters, that our clubs matter, and that our players deserve opportunities to grow and succeed,” Mtungwazi said.
He also hailed the success of the pre-season Dibula Matibula Tournament held over the weekend.
“It’s a pre-season tournament which was inaugurated this weekend and it was successful and it was very competitive. We really enjoyed the games that we played here and we are hoping that next year it will be bigger and better as it is a tournament that motivates the players as they face the new season.
With the league set to kick off on Saturday, Mtungwazi added: “We have secured a sponsor, you know, for the league and branded the league as Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League. That’s a very, very good start for us. And as we go into the league, there will be a lot to play for for the teams. There will be a prize money at the end of the year. There are prizes for the players during the course of the year.
And we hope that it will motivate the players to do well. The AGM went well? our AGM went very well. You know, it was smooth. I think it’s good to have an AGM where you have participants willing to have progress in the league. I applaud my teams for a positive spirit in the league and it made our AGM run smoothly and we are so happy.”
Nkayi United coach Reginald Buhali was delighted after guiding his side to the pre-season title.
“We prepared well for this tournament and for the league campaign. The players worked hard, and it showed on the pitch. This gives us a good feeling as we head into the season,” Buhali said.
Hwange coach Njabulo Dube, whose side finished as runners-up, believes the team will improve ahead of the league season.
“It was a cup match, and the league will be different. We still have work to do before the season begins,” Dube said.
TCI International and Vaiton Refrigeration were also sponsors of the Dibula Matibula Tournament.
