Robson Sharuko
Editor
THE positive impact, which the multi-million dollar Sakunda sponsorship has had on Dynamos and Highlanders, is there for everyone to see with the two giants finally competing at the same level with the well-funded challengers.
For the first time in NINE years, the Glamour Boys won a major piece of silverware when they captured the Chibuku Super Cup on the final day of last season.
That DeMbare won the tournament at the home of the league champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars, provided more evidence that the two giants could, at last, now compete against these ambitious challengers.
Bosso were the best team in the championship race in the first half of the season, which they completed unbeaten, winning 10 and drawing seven of their 17 matches.
The Bulawayo giants, chasing their first championship in 17 years, were SEVEN points clear of the chasing pack, at the halfway mark of the marathon, and odds-on favourites for the title.
While Bosso collapsed, in the second half of the campaign, and could only finish fifth, the competitiveness they showed earlier in the race showed substantial progress had been made in transforming the club into a competitive unit again.
“We thank Sakunda Holdings for bankrolling the club, particularly on salaries, signing on fees, and administrative activities in the year 2023,” said club chairman Johnfat Sibanda.
“Without their financial support, the year would have been a difficult one for the club.
“The sponsorship has provided stability and value to the club as the team is now able to compete with other well-funded clubs in the league.”
The Sakunda deal expired on December 31 and, exactly a month after it’s expiry, it has been a tough waiting game for Bosso and DeMbare.
Both camps say they are confident the deals will be extended and they have been investing, during the off-season, on players banking on being able to pay them once the money from their principal sponsors start trickling in.
While Sakunda Holdings have remained tight-lipped, throughout the whole month, there is no question that the company has generated a lot of positive mileage and goodwill from their association with the two giants. However, a month after the deals expired, questions should now be asked:
- What if Sakunda says “thank you Bosso/DeMbare, it was good doing business with you and the time has come for us to walk away?”
- What if Sakunda says “thank you Bosso/DeMbare, we are now taking our sponsorship to a new level and bankrolling the national teams?”
- What if Sakunda says “our grand plans, which included refurbishing Rufaro ended up being entangled in a web of politics and we are leaving the minefield altogether?”
- What if Sakunda says “too many negative headlines, from the two giants, continue to stalk our investment and drown the positive things and we have decided to invest elsewhere?”
It’s likely the partnership will be extended but it is important that both Dynamos and Highlanders have a Plan B just in case Sakunda says NO!