Econet Wireless and Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe have sponsored the
Zimbabwe National Netball team, affectionately known as the ‘Gems’, with a
package worth over half a million dollars ahead of the team’s participation at
the Netball World Cup in Liverpool city in the United Kingdom.
Econet made a cash donation of $222 500 while Cassava weighed in with
$200 000. Further to the monetary support, the two companies also provided the
team with branded match kit, including team uniforms, tracksuits, sneakers,
shoes and travel bags.
Cassava’s subsidiary, Vaya Africa, will also be providing transportation
for the Gems to and from their training sessions and to and from the airport
prior to and immediately after the tournament. In addition, Econet is also
making SMS broadcasts seeking further donations for the Gems ahead of the World
Cup.
In his opening remarks at the handover luncheon in Harare on Wednesday,
Econet Chief Operations Officer Mr Fayaz King the Econet group was excited to
sponsor the Gems and joined them and the nation in celebrating a first for a
Zimbabwean team to compete at a World Cup in a major team sport.
“We are excited to extend this support, whose value is over $500 000, to
the Gems, and would like to congratulate them for making it to the World Cup in
what I believe is a first for a Zimbabwean team,” Mr King said.
He said the Group had reached “deep into our hearts and into our
pockets” to ensure that the key needs of the Gems were met in order for
them to focus on training and competing at the World Cup.
“When we became aware of the team’s struggles and of their plight, we
said this would not happen on our watch; not when we are here and can do
something,” Mr King said.
He said he believed the contribution, from which Econet Wireless,
Cassava and Higherlife Foundation pooled resources together, would go a long
way in making the Gems’ training, their trip and their stay in the UK a lot
more comfortable.
“We will be watching closely and will render whatever support that
we can,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, the Zimbabwe Netball Association president
Leticia Chipandu thanked Econet and Cassava, whom she said had showed a
“big heart” in supporting the team.
“I want to thank Econet and Cassava for this support, which will
transform the lives of the girls, some of whom are bread winners in their
families,” she said.
“You have very a very big heart because a lot of people saw the video
(where the Gems narrated their plight on social media) and a lot of people
heard about the girls, but they were not moved,” said Mrs Chipandu.
“I want to thank Econet and Cassava for coming on board to support
these girls in making their dreams and their goals achievable,” she said.
The Gems have been drawn against Australia, Sri Lanka and Ireland in the
first round of the World Cup in which kicks off on July 11, 2019.
