BEVERAGE company, Two Keys has pumped US$20 000 into the Midlands Cricket Association for the third-year running, with US$15 000 going to the Rhinos franchise and US$5 000 set aside for the MCA T20 Tournament.
The sponsorship was unveiled in Harare on Friday at the company's brewing plant and marks Two Keys' biggest commitment to the province to date, as MCA prepares for the 2026 domestic season.
The deal comes at a crucial time for Midlands, which has struggled with funding in recent seasons despite consistently producing players for the national team. MCA chairperson John Makuwalo said the investment was recognition of the work being done in the province.
"This US$20 000 sponsorship is a testament to the great work we are doing here in Midlands," Makuwalo told The Sports Hub.
"If you look at national team level, you will see that a lot of our players are being selected for Zimbabwe.
“Our coaches, technical staff, managers and everyone are working flat out to ensure we continue producing a good brand of cricket.
“Everyone wants to be associated with a good brand."
Makuwalo said the association was now targeting trophies across all formats.
"With all the sponsors coming on board with us, nothing will stop us from going after all the silverware on offer this coming season," he said.
"I want to tell all the other franchises that they must take us seriously. We are big contenders for the Logan Cup, the Pro50 and the T20."
MCA general manager Admire Marodza said the funds would be used to address key operational gaps and that the association was committed to transparency.
"The money is going to be put to good use," Marodza said.
"It will support team preparations, player welfare and the running of the T20 tournament. We appreciate Two Keys for coming on board and we are committed to accountability in how these resources are used for the benefit of cricket in Midlands."
Marodza added that the T20 tournament funds would help widen the player base in the province by giving more club players a pathway to franchise cricket.
Edward Snell & Company, manufactures of the Two Keys brand, managing director Vincent Soweto, said the decision to increase the sponsorship reflected both community support and the emergence of Midlands players on the world stage.
"We have been working with the Midlands Cricket Association for the last two to three years, sponsoring their annual cricket event," Soweto said.
"It has resonated very well with our brand, and we felt we needed to give something back to the Midlands fraternity for supporting us.
“We have also had tremendous support and growth in the Midlands, driven largely by Midlands State University."
Soweto said the company was proud to be linked to cricketers from the province who have represented Zimbabwe at the highest level.
"We are not just supporting a brand, we are supporting world-class cricketers," he said.
"We have players from this province who have gone on to play in the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. To have world-class players linked to our products makes us very proud. We make the best products, the Kid McCoy of the beverages that we do, and we are really excited to give back."
The MD confirmed Two Keys’ long-term commitment to the sport in the province despite current economic challenges.
"We started from a position of ‘maybe’, then we added a second year. It is now our commitment that we will continue putting resources into this tournament," Soweto said.
"This is a giant step for us to sponsor the Rhinos, and while things might be hard, we feel we have every reason to invest. This partnership will definitely continue.
“We want to grow it bigger and be on the map with what we are doing."
Rhinos player representative, seamer Michael Chinouya said the sponsorship would have a direct impact on the players’ preparations and morale.
"For us as players, this support means a lot," Chinouya said.
"It shows that people believe in what we are doing and that they want to see us succeed.
“The funds will help with better preparation, equipment and welfare, which allows us to focus on cricket and perform at our best.
“We are grateful to Two Keys and we promise to work hard and bring results to Midlands."