Home Archived Articles
Charity Shield package unveiling today
SOMETHING bigger and better is in the offing today when cellular network operator, NetOne unveil their sponsorship package for the season-opening Charity Shield in Harare. The company’s spokesperson, Rutendo Chabururuka, yesterday said NetOne, who returned to football last year when they penned a three-year contract with the Premier Soccer League to bankroll the Charity Shield, have improved their stakes. The tournament will, for the second year running, be contested by city rivals Dynamos and Motor Action at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. Chabururuka said they have invited all stakeholders for the launch, including the Premier Soccer League, Zifa and representatives from the participating clubs. “Obviously the prize money will be bigger and better compared to last year,” he said. “We are encouraging people to come to the stadium because proceeds from this match will go straight to charity. “Last year eight organisations dealing with children’s welfare benefitted from the match. “We are still to ascertain how many will receive the donations this year, though. People should have it in their minds that when they buy a ticket to watch the game, the money will go a long way in helping the disadvantaged children. So it’s more than just about football. “We also have promotions aimed at the football fans. Everyone who buys a ticket will get a free Easycall line with US$1 worth of airtime. We are also running a predict-the-winner promotion where fans sms the team they think will win on the day and stand a chance of winning big prizes when a random draw is conducted afterwards,” said Chabururuka. Gate charges have been pegged at US$3 for the rest of the ground, US$10 for bays 15-18 while the VIP section will be strictly by invitation. NetOne poured in US$200 000 last year and Dynamos won the shield when they edged Motor Action in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw after extra time. The Glamour Boys pocketed US$40 000 for winning the cup while the Mighty Bulls got US$20 000 consolation prize. The match netted US$16 000 and eight charities got US$2 000 each through their “Touch a child’s heart” social responsibility programme. NetOne are not new to sport as they have sponsored the Warriors, golf and tennis at the professional level, through the One Golf Pro-Am championships and Davis Cup.