ZIFA Northern Region Secures Landmark US$310,000 Sponsorship Deal

The ZIFA Northern Region Division One League has signed a landmark US$310,000 sponsorship deal with MCM Estates (image source)

HARARE — The ZIFA Northern Region Division One League has secured a significant financial boost after signing a year-long sponsorship agreement worth US$310,000 with property developers MCM Estates, a deal expected to strengthen the league’s capacity to prepare clubs for Premier Soccer League (PSL) football.

Unveiled on Saturday evening, the partnership positions the Northern Region as one of the most commercially supported lower leagues in Zimbabwe, reinforcing its role as a key development pathway to the top flight. In addition to the headline sponsorship figure, the package includes a US$2,000 goodwill signing gesture and monthly performance-based incentives of US$350 for the coach, top goal scorer, goalkeeper and player of the month.

In a move aimed at enhancing player welfare and long-term motivation, five outstanding players will each receive a holiday home stand valued at US$24,000 at the end of the season, a benefit rarely seen in Zimbabwean lower-league football.

MCM Estates chief executive officer Anthony McMullen said the company was inspired by the growth potential of the league and the strong community connection around clubs such as Agama FC of Mashonaland Central. “We are in this for the long haul. We understand what football means to the community, so we decided to help make the journey smoother for the clubs,” McMullen said.

ZIFA Northern Region chairperson Sweeny Mushonga described the sponsorship as a turning point for the league. “We are grateful for this gesture. It will make our lives easier and we want to transform football and be a league that everyone envies. Our mandate is to prepare teams for the top flight, and this support helps us deliver on that,” he said.

The unveiling ceremony also celebrated outstanding performers from the previous season. Simon Grey Kufandada, formerly of Herentals and Bulawayo City, was named Best Player of the Year and claimed the Golden Boot after scoring 17 goals.

Former Warriors captain and coach Sunday Chidzambwa, who attended as Guest of Honour, urged players to prioritise discipline alongside talent. “Discipline is everything in football. I have seen many gifted players fail because of indiscipline. Hardworking and disciplined players go further than those who rely on talent alone,” he said.

Agama FC emerged as the standout club on the night, with coach Paul Chimalizeni named Coach of the Year and three of the club’s players selected in the Best Eleven. The event was also attended by Mt Darwin South Member of Parliament Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, who congratulated the club from his constituency.

Analysts say the deal sets a new benchmark for lower-division football in Zimbabwe, with incentives and benefits that in some respects rival or surpass those in the PSL. For the ZIFA Northern Region, the sponsorship signals a new phase of professionalism, investment and opportunity that could reshape the pathway to elite football.