PREMIERSHIP side Dynamos are set to lose close to US$1 million from their official sponsors — Savanna Tobacco — if they play in an Oya Challenge, which is bankrolled by a rival tobacco company Blend Value on October 4. DeMbare, who are are sponsored by Savanna Tobacco through their Pacific Storm brand have been hand picked to play against CAPS United in the Oya Challenge.

The new kid on the block is using the derby to promote their brand — Oya.

Savanna Tobacco have threatened to pull the rug on Dynamos if they go aheadand play as the contract forbids them from associating with rival tobacco companies.

DeMbare are set to lose US$370 000 which is expected to go towards the purchase of a luxurious team bus. In addition to this, the Glamour Boys will lose their branded kit and the payment of salaries for the players.

Savanna Tobacco dropped the bombshell on DeMbare, in a letter to Zifa chief executive officer Henrietta Rushwaya on Friday.

Part of the letter reads: “Savanna Tobacco has been sponsoring local football for the past three years and we are at various stages of investing over USD 750 000 into local football. We are sure you are aware of our sponsorship of the following premier league teams this season — Dynamos FC, Highlanders FC, Black Rhinos FC, Eagles FC. This shows our total commitment to football sponsorship for the benefit of our country’s citizens.

“Savanna Tobacco expects a certain minimum level of professionalism from the custodians of football in Zimbabwe. Our sponsorship agreement with Dynamos Football Club precludes their participation in the proposed Oya! Challenge Match.

“As a result, by way of this letter, we would like to inform you that should the report in the press be correct, Savanna Tobacco will have no option but to immediately withdraw all football sponsorship in Zimbabwe.”

Savanna said they were not entirely against the idea after having initially expressing its willingness to play a role after being approached by Zifa.

“We have nothing against the grudge match as communicated by Savanna to the Zifa CEO on the 19th of September and we are fully behind the government efforts to support the Warriors’ cause. However what we do find deplorable is the unprofessional expectation for a sponsored team to participate in an event that would jeopardise its agreement.”

Onias Gweru, the Savanna marketing manager said the participation of Dynamos in the Oya Challenge contravenes their agreement.

Dynamos secretary Stan Kasukuwere last night said the executive would meet in an emergency meeting this morning to digest the letter from the sponsors.

“There has been correspondence between our sponsors Savanna, Zifa and Dynamos. We have called for an emergency meeting tomorrow (today). We are also going to look into the contract with Savanna.

Remember Murerekwa (Tawanda) was part of the executive, who entered into the contract,” Kasukuwere said.

Murerekwa is a former DeMbare secretary.
BY FANUEL VIRIRI & ENOCK MUCHINJO

1 Comment

• 

  By Gift Petro, October 30, 2009 @ 9:27 am

  Streettheatre organisation of Zimbabwe is an arts organisation registered with the national arts council of Zimbabwe in 2003.We are hereby applying to be part of the Pacific tobbacco promotion team we have been working with different companies in promoting their products and services.With working together would be a very good thing and create a very good relationship.We are into radio,television and roadshows advertising.We would be very happy if we can work together,we are also ready for presentations.

  Yours faithfully
  Gift Petro
  [Artistic Director]

Other Links to this Post

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI

Leave a comment