The Zimbabwe Gems’s quest to represent the country at the Netball World Cup got a whopping sum of over RTGS$400 000 shot-in-the-arm from Econet Wireless, the biggest mobile network operator and VAYA, an app-based ride hailing service.
The Zimbabwe Gems who are ranked 13th in the world sent an SOS for sponsorship and Econet Wireless heard the call with a cheque of $225 000 while VAYA also chipped in with another $250 000 package.
Presenting the sponsorship package, Econet Wireless COO Mr Fayaz King spoke of champions going extra mile.
Mr King said Econet Wireless believed in empowering women and the Zimbabwe Gems had proved they were champions through qualifying for the finals scheduled for Liverpool.
“When you talk of gems it reminds me of ngoda, the diamond goes through pressure and then it gets polished.
“I believe the Zimbabwe Gems are champions because champions go the extra mile and extra minute. They made a plea and as Econet Wirelsss we answered to their call,” he said.
Zimbabwe Gems president Leticia Chipindu hailed Econet Wireless and VAYA for their valued support of the team.
She said the sponsorship package would go a long way in empowering the women who also look after their communities and families.
“I represent women, I represent women who want to achieve their goals and women who are focused in earning a living their hard work and sweat.
These are the women who look after their communities and families and the Zimbabwe Gems are young women who are work for themselves.
“I am happy that Econet Wireless support the empowerment of women,” she said.
Perpetua Siyachitema the captain of the team promised to conquer in Liverpool saying the support from Econet Wireless and VAYA would not go to waste. The kit will have the Econet Wireless and VAYA logos.
The Zimbabwe Gems are in the same group as Australia who are ranked number one and Sri Lanka.