Local corporates have set in motion, a fundraising programme to raise $300 000 towards mighty warriors’ maiden Women’s Africa Cup of nation appearance in Cameroon later this month.
Addressing journalists in the capital Tuesday morning, #GirlPowerZw Fundraising Committee Chairperson Lilian Mubaiwa said through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, an independent fund raising committee has been set up to assist the Mighty Warriors journey to Cameroon.
“ZIFA have provided inadequate resources and failed to arrange preparation matches. The Mighty Warriors require $300,000 in order provide them with suitable preparation programs for, and to ensure their participation in, the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations Finals tournament,” said Mubaiwa.
She added that available resource levels fall far short of what the mighty warriors require, hence the various initiatives in place to galvanise nationwide support.
“There is an exclusive fund raising dinner planned for the 2nd of November at the Rainbow Towers Hotel. Tables seat ten guests and range in price from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the level of corporate sponsorship desired,” said Mubayiwa.
She added that final preparations are being put in place to run a nationwide SMS promotion, entitled #GirlPowerZW.
“Subscribers would be invited to support the Mighty Warriors’ Quest for Cameroon by purchasing a digital raffle ticket, as a $0.50 deduction from their current airtime balance. In return, participants would stand the chance to win prizes such as vehicles, the opportunity to accompany the Mighty Warriors to Cameroon, and family holidays,” said Mubayiwa.
Price Water House Coopers Chartered Accountants who are coming in as the fund managers said their role is to ensure transparency on how the funds will be used.
“Our role is to make sure that the sponsorship goes to do exactly what the sponsors wants,” said Tinashe Rwodzi from PWC.
The mighty warriors are in group A together with Egypt, South Africa and hosts Cameroon. They are set to go in camp on Wednesday at ZESA training centre ahead of the 12th edition of African women soccer showcase set for the 19th of November to the 3rd of December in Yauonde, Cameroon.
Members of the Girl Power Zw committee include Lillian Mbayiwa (Old Mutual, and committee Chairperson), Joel Gombera (CBZ Bank), Daniel Mckenzie (SFM Radio Station Manager), Pride Kumbula (RTG), Busi Chindove (Zimplats), Darren Thompson (Openminds), Lawrence Zimbudzana (Ministry of Sport) and Francis Chimanda (Telecel).