Sports Reporter

Highlanders Football Club fans have hailed the move by Savanna Tobacco to avail free transport to Barbourfields Stadium saying the move will help boost the team’s support base in the city.

The move which will see the cigarette manufacturing company transporting fans to every Highlanders game for free would come in handy for the fans who have in the past found it difficult to source enough funds for transport and gate charges.

Nkosilathi Nhliziyo, a staunch Bosso fan could not hide his joy urging other organisations in the country to emulate Savanna.

“Savanna might not have been able to be a major sponsor for the club but such a move is a clear demonstration that they have the people at heart and still want their mutual bond with Highlanders to stay intact.

“What is important is for other institutions to follow suit and try to come up with lucrative deals of ploughing back to the community and sponsoring football teams offers such a platform,” said Nhliziyo.

Nodumo Gumbo said the transportation of fans would benefit the club, as it would help with increased gate takings.

Savanna Tobacco Executive chairman Adam Molai re-affirmed their relationship with the Bulawayo giants hoping the Emagumeni Le Pacific scheme would give birth to a more mutual relationship.

“Savanna Tobacco has proudly sponsored Highlanders since 2007 and we remain proud of this relationship. We made a contribution towards the signing on fees and remain committed to continue to invest further in this relationship. We will be adding to the “Zora butter ne pacific” programme for Harare supporters with the ‘Emagumeni lepacific’ programme for Highlanders.

“This programme, like in Harare, will transport supporters to Barbourfields beginning with the Highlanders versus Chicken Inn match on Sunday (today),” said Molai.