Benjani Mwaruwari, who on Saturday May 25 held a historical testimonial match, is the latest National Brand ambassador for the National Blood Service Zimbabwe.
“I can’t remember when was the last time I did anything without conviction,” said Benjani, when asked if he was convinced about the cause.

Since blood donation is an issue that has never been on top of national agenda, Mr David Mvere, the NBSZ CEO, hopes that with Benjani, he will succeed in “making Blood Donation a national natural obsession”.
One of NBSZ’s goals is to market blood donation as a national responsibility and with the coming in of Benjani, he will play a key part in carrying the important message of donating blood, especially to the adult segment that is currently contributing 29 percent and yet they consume 80 percent of the blood collected.

This new alliance empowers Benjani to broaden his reach and connection with his fans, while helping NBSZ take “centre stage” in the promotion of blood donation in Zimbabwe.
Mr David Mvere said he is the first National Sports Ambassador we have. “He’s had a successful football career, but this will be another new chapter on his already blessing career.
“I think he will help foster a culture of selfless voluntary blood donation in the nation”.  This is a great way for fans to connect with him as a celebrity and get back something they can hold onto, and share with friends.

Mr Muzanenhamo, Benjani’s spokesperson, said: “It’s an honour for Benjani to be the brand ambassador for the NBSZ and like Mr Mvere said, it needs to become a national obsession and he is going to do everything in his capacity to make sure that the message is taken across to every person.”
Benjani joins a host of other brand ambassadors who have volunteered to work with the NBSZ and these include music artistes like gospel diva Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave,

Tryson Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah and Blessing Shumba, who will work with NBSZ Mutare Branch in promoting the Manicaland activities. Others who have also assisted during campaigns include Wendall Parson, the co-winner of the famous Big Brother Africa (BBA 6), who joined the Youth Blood Donor Month campaign as an ambassador.
NBSZ also supports Benjani’s dream of establishing the Benjani Mwaruwari Foundation, which is his personal determination to plough back into the community.

Miss Esther Massundah, the Public Affairs Manager, reiterated that the NBSZ will stand with him to see his vision come to fruition. “While it’s true that Benjani is a national beloved icon of sports excellence, his insights on the importance of ploughing back are as innovative as they are genuine. We are honoured and inspired by his support on our team.”

It’s incredible how this charitable organisation instantly brings a fan that much closer to the person they idolise.
Since his days playing in Europe, Benjani has become known as a savvy football visionary and he instantly recognised the inherent value in connecting fans to their favourite athletes and celebrities through the Benjani testimonial match.

“Benjani, known throughout the professional football-loving world as “The Undertaker,” is an All Star, Hall Of Fame, and living legend in Zimbabwe, who has played in South Africa, France and England.
NBSZ take this opportunity to congratulate the Benjani Mwaruwari Foundation on its successful launch and look forward to working with a foundation that will have a positive impact on the less-privileged in society whilst giving upcoming footballers an opportunity to learn from and emulate the soccer icon Benjani himself.