Sibanda hails Bantu co-owner Grieve

24 Jul, 2016 - 00:07 0 Views

The Sunday News

ZIFA vice-president Omega Sibanda has paid tribute to American businessman and Bantu Rovers co-owner, Peter Grieve for investing in Zimbabwean football and providing education opportunities for upcoming players.

Speaking during a reception held for Bantu Rovers’ stakeholders at a local hotel on Monday, Sibanda, who was guest of honour, said Grieve defied all odds in investing in Zimbabwe bringing a new model of football that has seen several players being awarded scholarships in the United States of America.

Grieve is the founder and managing partner of Windy River Group, a private investment company with interests in commercial banking, professional soccer, industrial technology applications and venture capital. He also serves on the board of directors of Grassroots Soccer, a non-profit organisation that teaches African youths how to live an HIV-free life through football-based education.

“The club has boosted the livelihoods of many families as young boys’ lives have changed after being offered scholarships while others have managed to go through school after their financial obligations had been take care of by Grassroots.

“We have youngsters such as goalkeeper Nkosiphile Dube and midfielder Marvin Sibanda who will be leaving soon and joining Percival Sibanda and Mthabisi Tshuma who are already in that country,” said Sibanda.

He said Grieve had earlier informed him that a major project is brewing in Europe that is likely to benefit Zimbabwean football players through Bantu Rovers. Sibanda commended Bantu for being able to produce quality players while effectively marketing them abroad saying such players as Marvelous Nakamba and Kuda Mahachi were proof of the club’s ability to open up avenues for players. He said as Zifa they are fully behind the Bantu project and will support efforts to develop the game and create opportunities for players all over the world.

Grieve said he had fallen in love with Zimbabwe and was impressed by the style of play adopted in the country, adding Bantu Rovers was a project they would want to see grow bigger and bigger.

Other guests who attended the event include Zifa Southern Region president, Musa Mandaza, Premier Soccer League chief executive officer, Kenny Ndebele, Bulawayo City Council Housing and Community Services deputy director, Mckenzie Moyo, Southern Region board member, Brighton Malandule and Bantu Rovers officials, co-owner, Methembe Ndlovu, general manager, Wilbert Sibanda and chief of protocol, Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda.

Twitter: @rasmthembo

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