On the eve of their departure to South Africa's Limpopo province for a CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round tie against Black Leopards on Saturday, Motor Action received a timely confidence boost when local mining company Mbada Diamonds gave them a befitting send-off by unveiling a sponsorship package of more than $150 000.
During the ceremony to unveil the sponsorship package, Mbada Diamonds revealed payment of winning bonuses apart from the $150 000 package reserved for Zimbabwe's CAF cup representatives, winners of the Mbada Diamonds Cup.(Winners Dynamos opted for the Champions League, so the package will go to the Mighty Bulls).
An amount of $50 000 per game has been set aside as bonuses for the players if they manage a result. For a win, the players will share an mount of $300, while a draw will see them earn $100.
In addition to the money package, the Mighty Bulls were handed clothing sponsorship in the form of blazers, shirts, training kit, a warm-up kit, causal wear and 30 match balls.
Mbada Diamonds Corporate Communications and Pulbic Affairs Executive George Manyaya urged the Mighty Bulls players to get inspiration from the exploits of the Zambian national soccer team who clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title last week.
"The support we recently put for the Zambian national team, as we all united as the SADC region to support Chipolopolo leaves one with envy and imagining if this was for a Zimbabwean team.
"That is why we are gathered here today to unveil the kits as promised, the accommodation and the travel expenses," said Manyaya.
Motor Action captain Marlon Jani has welcomed the gesture of the Diamonds mining company and believes the cash injection will take pressure off the shoulders of the players going into the African safari.
"I feel that there will be no pressure on our players during the game but we hope to deliver.The guys are now mature and I think they know what they are expected to do," Jani said.
Bulls coach Joey Antipas cautioned his players against underestimating Leopards, arguing that any team that competes in the ABSA premiership in South Africa deserves not to be taken lightly.
"Obviously, Black Leopards are a good side because they play in the PSL in South Africa. Any team that plays in the PSL deserves respect.
"So we will take a conservative approach and it should be 50-50," said Antipas
Here is the Motor Action squad that was due to depart Harare for Limpopo province of South Africa in the morning:
M. Jani, R. Mudimu, M. Kadzola, P. Benard, C. Mutero, R. Machaya, G. Moyo, J. Jam, D. Mukandi, M. Mambare, G. Phiri, N. Maviri, P. Kabwe, J. Chitereki, E. Peresu, I. Madziva, T. Mangwendere, T. Masuku.
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