The Sunday Mail
ATHLETES Sphere Management is set to score yet another first this weekend.
The Gerald Sibanda-owned sports management company – through its Real Betis Zimbabwe brand – has been afforded prime advertising space this Sunday when Real Betis hosts La Liga giants Barcelona.
Sibanda told The Sunday Mail Sport it is a milestone to have the brand advertised among the world’s best.
“Firstly, I am very excited as this is a big stage and a very platform; as this will be a live match on DStv’s SuperSport, with millions of viewers across the world that will be watching,” he said.
“For Athletes Sphere Management, a global partner to Real Betis, to be afforded that space to actually market brand Zimbabwe and market our own local sports company is huge.
“This is not just a big achievement for us, but a big achievement for the country.
“We are living in difficult times, what with the pandemic, and it is my hope that this little first brings some smiles to the country,” he said.
He hopes that this is the first of many projects that can be used to boost both the Zimbabwe brand and the economy.
“Football can be used as vehicle to economies, with countries like Rwanda and Mauritius doing just that through their relationships with Arsenal and Liverpool.
“This is what we hope to do at Athletes Sphere Management, which carries the nation’s flag, and hopefully opens the door for other companies,” he said.
Fireworks are expected this Sunday, as Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman hopes Wednesday’s Copa del Rey comeback can inspire his team to close the gap in La Liga when they take on Real Betis.
Barca scored twice in the last four minutes against Granada to come from two goals down and force extra-time before winning 5-3 to reach the cup semi-finals.
But they have work to do in La Liga, sitting level on points with Real Madrid but 10 behind Atletico, who also have a game in hand over their two chasing rivals.
Koeman admitted last weekend that Barcelona have to be “realistic” about their chances of lifting trophies this season, and that the current squad “aren’t ready to win many things”.
Yet he was more upbeat after his side’s rousing display in midweek.
“These games and these results can help the spirit and strength of a team,” said Koeman.
“We have fought in adversity and that’s what we have to do. These kinds of moments can be very important for this season.”
The match kicks off at 10pm and will be screened live on SuperSport. – Sports Reporter/France24
