SIMBA Bhora president Simba “Buju” Ndoro is grateful to Betterbrands Gold for giving his club US$500 000, money which he says will go a long way in lessening the burden of participating in the Caf Champions League next season.
The league champions received a shot in the arm when the Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya-owned company announced a US$500 000 sponsorship deal towards the Shamva-based club, who will be making their maiden participation in the African Safari next season, having claimed the league title this year.
The money will add to the US$50 000 participation fee that Simba Bhora will receive from Caf.
Ndoro confirmed the one-year deal with Betterbrands Gold, which is subject to renewal at the end of the season.
“We are very grateful as a club to sign such a sponsorship deal,” Ndoro said.
“I is a welcome development for us as you know that we will be participating in the Caf Champions League next season.
“Playing in Africa requires a lot of resources and, of course, this sponsorship from Betterbrands is not enough, but it will help us a lot in offsetting some of the costs associated with playing in the African Safari.
“I want to thank my brother Scott Sakupwanya for this remarkable gesture. He continues to show his love for the development of football in the country.”
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Betterbrands are also sponsors of Highlanders and Yadah in the league, and they are Zifa’s official kit sponsor.
Ndoro said they had started rebuilding their squad in preparation for the Caf Champions League and their title defence following a player exodus.
A host of players that helped them win the title have surprisingly left the club, including Soccer Star of the Year award winner Walter Musona.
Other key players that have reportedly left the champions are Tichaona Chipunza, Mthokozisi Msebe, Albert Manenji and Vasili Kawe, who have joined title-winning coach Tonderai Ndiraya in the exit of the club.
Interestingly, they all are rumoured to have been snatched away by newly-promoted Scottland, owned by Sakupwanya.
The gold magnate even sponsored Ndiraya’s two-week attachment to a Turkish Super League team.
Ndoro said his club had signed at least 14 players to replace those who will be leaving.
He, however, refused to divulge the names of the new players until their contracts with their current clubs expire at midnight today.
