SIMBA RUSHWAYA
The promotion of TelOne and Manica Diamonds into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) is testament to the continued dominance of company-sponsored teams in the tough operating environment.
The Wifi Boys, as TelOne are affectionately known, are sponsored by TelOne while Manica Diamonds are bankrolled by the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation. Manica Diamonds and TelOne won the Eastern and Central Region respectively.
Unlike in the 1980s when community clubs like Dynamos and Highlanders dominated the local scene, the arena has changed with clubs like FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum and Chicken Inn dictating the pace in the top flight league.
Former giants Dynamos are struggling to stay afloat in the PSL and needed a Marshall Machazane controversial goal to win 2-1 against Black Rhinos on Sunday. The other traditional dominant forces, Highlanders and CAPS united are also sweating to regain their past glory in the face of the well -oiled clubs.
FC Platinum are on the verge of retaining the title having collected 68 points with four games before the curtain comes down while second-placed Ngezi are seven points away. Ngezi enjoys sponsorship from Zimplats.
Top five teams in the Premiership are directly sponsored by companies or commercial entities. They are FC Platinum (FC Platinum Holdings), Ngezi Platinum (Zimplats), Chicken Inn, Triangle (Tongaat Hulett) and Harare City owned by HarareCity Council.
They will be joined by Manica Diamonds and TelOne who won the Eastern and Central Region respectively. Chances are that the two newcomers will cause upsets in the first tier league.
Joel Luphahla who led TelOne into the top flight will not be allowed to coach the team next season because he does not have a Confederation of African Football “A” licence.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has not been able to offer the licence for the past two years and Luphahla has been on the waiting list for the same course.
Veteran coach and administrator Phillip Mbofana says companyowned teams are stealing the limelight due to good governance and guaranteed financial security.
“These teams are well financed as they are bankrolled by established corporates. The football administrators, technical staff and players concentrate on football. They are guided by clear aims and objectives that are thriving to be the best and not just to compete. “The company-sponsored teams also have well established corporate governance practices and there is clear division of labour,” Mbofana said.
“Gone are the days when nearly every player yearned to play for fame at Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United. The dominance by these clubs will continue for the foreseeable future because they are able to attract the best talent available unless other clubs change their business models. Football is now a career for both the players and the technical staff hence the best available will always be lured by these clubs.
” Indeed the dominance by the clubs with financial and administrative muscle might continue as the traditional giants are being overshadowed. FC Platinum and Ngezi have managed to attract quality players because they pay well.
The clubs, unlike Dynamos and Highlanders, do not largely depend on gate takings, but rely on companies that generate funds while the players concentrate on the field of play.
The platinum miners are believed to be the most paying clubs locally with some of their players earning around $1 500 in salaries minus allowances. Some the players are proud owners of houses and sleek cars, something that was not common in the past.
Harare City pays an average salary of $1 000 per month with winning bonuses around $400.
Football has become the major source of income for players in the world and some of the richest sportsmen are found in the game.
Khama Billiat became the Absa South African Premiership soccer’s highest earner after securing his move to Kaizer Chiefs from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this year.
The 27-year-old signed a threeyear contract with an option of an additional year and is reportedly earning an eye-watering R10 million a year before tax.
Ronaldo is the highest paid footballer in the world with £15 million ($21,5m) a year after tax salary. Only Messi can match his yearly salary from club football.
He is also the most endorsed footballer and currently has the fourth most lucrative endorsement deal in sports with Nike worth £14,1 million ($21m) a year plus number of other deals. Ronaldo also has CR7 branded clothing and shoes lines plus his $80 million worth of CR7 hotel project in 4 different cities.
