PHILLIMON MHLANGA
Financial services group, FBC Holdings, on Monday lived up to its promise to pay each member of the Warriors US$1 000 for winning against Group B opponent Guinea at the on-going Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The lender promised the windfall before their game against Malawi, which the Warriors lost 1-2.
Speaking during the cash handover ceremony at Royal Harare Golf Club in the capital, FBC group CEO, John Mushayavanhu said the bank believes in the Warriors.
“Once AFCON started (January 9, 2022) , as FBC,we sat down and said is there anything we can do to spur Warriors into action. and do their best. We decided on this package,” Mushayavanhu said.
He added: “The team exhibited spirited performance against Senegal. However, football being football, things did not come out as expected. But, you (Warriors) didn’t come home empty handed as you won against Guinea. Therefore, we are here to give out hard cash in US dollars. The total we are paying out is US$35 000. We are here today to honour our pledge.”
SRC board chairman, Gerald Mlotshwa commended the bank for the support.
“To the FBC group CEO (John Mushayavanhu), we hope this is only the beginning. We watched the game against Guinea. I think for anyone who wanted to be objective, we saw the potential in the Warriors. We remain optimistic and committed to the Warriors. We remain supportive. The future is bright. Do not worry about the past. Let’s move forward.”
The lender also pledged 27 houses worth US$60 000 under the FBC Building Society Fontaine Ridge Housing Project in the capital. The houses were to be handed to players and the technical team in the event they were champions of Africa.
They, however, went on to lose to the Flames of Malawi.
And crashed out of the tournament with a 2-1 victory against group B opponent Guinea.
This meant they lost out on the houses pledge.
