Faith Ndou
MASVINGO CITY-Zanu PF businessman James Pande aka #Bigdeal of the famous Hovhorosi Style during the Mugabe regime has donated soccer equipment to Masvingo United FC which include 16 home jerseys, 15 shorts, 10 soccer balls, 13 pairs of socks, 1 soccer ladder and 50 cones.
Pande who rose to fame with his 2012 overalls emblazoned with the late President Mugabe’s signature through his organisation Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Youth Action (ZEYA) confirmed the donation to The Midweek Watch in a telephone interview.
He explained that the aim of the donation was to ensure the team had the necessary gear for visible and effective pre-season training.
“Masvingo United is a community team, so as business people, we should support the team for its progress. We want to elevate the team to the level of the likes of Simba Bhora FC and Scottland FC,” said Pande who grew up in Rujeko, Masvingo City.
He also emphasized the significance of the team to the province stating, “Masvingo United FC is the first team from the province to play in the Premier Soccer League, so we want to take it back there.”
Pande urged the players to remain focused on their mission and to avoid drugs and substance abuse. He also revealed plans to host a tournament on Independence Day featuring Masvingo United FC and other local teams.
Masvingo United FC spokesperson Omen Mafa also confirmed the donation and expressed the team’s sincere gratitude.
“We are deeply thankful to Mr. Pande for his generous support which will go a long way in boosting our preparations for the new season. We are confident that Mr #Bigdeal will continue to partner with us throughout the season.”
Mafa also took the opportunity to remind aspiring players that trials are still ongoing at the club and encouraged interested individuals to come forward.
“We are still inviting players to attend trials and be part of the team as we prepare for the season ahead,” he added.
