Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
NOKEL Security has introduced a Reporter of the Month award in addition to its sponsorship of the Zifa Southern Region Division One Top Goal Scorer of the Month. The security company, which is owned by retired Rtd Col Kenneth Mhlophe, a Highlanders vice-chairman aspirant, sealed the Reporter of the Month award for Division One while renewing its $150 Top Goal Scorer of the Month award. The Reporter of the Month will get $50.
“We’re glad to announce that we’ve renewed our relationship with Nokel Security. We want to thank the company and the owner Mhlophe for the support. Our football can only grow with the support of businessmen like Mhlophe who despite the hostile economic climate, still find it in themselves to land a helping hand,” said Zifa Southern Region chairman Musa Mandaza.
“Football the world over is driven by corporate support and as Southern Region, it makes us proud that our brand is attracting the corporate world,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Southern Region is set to secure sponsorship for a 16-team tournament named after the late Vice-President Landa John Nkomo. According to sources, negotiations were at an advanced stage with city philanthropist Raj Modi to sponsor the competition through his Liquor Hub outlet.
“The league looks to be headed for exciting times. It will indeed be the league of choice,” said the source. However, Mandaza declined to be drawn into commenting on the issue. “We will cross the bridge when we get there,” he said.
The Southern Region has grown in leaps and bounds in the last two years and one of its products, Edmore Chirambadare, who played for Tsholotsho before joining champions Chicken Inn, was among the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Stars of the Year finalists. He also made the Warriors’ squad for the African Nations Championship (Chan) in his debut Premiership season.