The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda in ZVISHAVANE
ONCE a sleepy town renowned more for its asbestos and recently platinum minerals, Zvishavane is now a fast growing business opportunity, thanks mainly to FC Platinum’s football exploits.
FC Platinum’s continued rise in local football has provided downstream benefits to the Zvishavane community.
The Zvishavane side bagged its third straight league title after beating CAPS United 1-0 at the National Sports last weekend.
Pure Platinum Play finished the 2019 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League marathon with 62 points, three ahead of second placed Chicken Inn and four in front of CAPS United who ended up finishing fourth.
As the celebrations continue, business is also booming in Zvishavane where entrepreneurs revealed that they usually make a killing whenever the league champions are hosting teams in the mining town.
“If you say you come from Zvishavane people usually asked you about Mimosa Mine and FC Platinum but now they can even ask you about some of the businesses in the town.
“Most people from across the country are now exposed to our businesses here in Zvishavane because of football,” revealed Mr. Cliff Mataga, who runs the popular Caravan Park leisure centre in the heart of the mining town.
Caravan Park has in the past hosted big artistes like Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah and Winky D.
“In comparison with other small towns Zvishavane is now better in terms of business thanks to the influx of people that is triggered by FC Platinum.
“We now have visitors from all over Zimbabwe who are now exposed to our services. Whenever FC Platinum hosts big matches against Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders business reaches its peak here,” said Mr. Mataga.
“Our main concern now is the business we are losing whenever FC Platinum play their CAF Champions League matches in Bulawayo instead of here at Mandava Stadium.
“I am sure you are aware there are issues to do with the suitability of Mandava. We hope that can be resolved soon so that we can have international clients coming to sample our services,” added Mr. Mataga.
Benefits have also spilled into the hospitality industry where Pote Hills Hotel are reaping huge rewards.
The organisation’s Guest relations officer had this to say: “We are benefiting in the sense that we are able to hosts teams that come and play FC Platinum here. We have been able to spread our wings internationally, thanks to FC Platinum.
“Being the only hotel in Zvishavane, we stand to benefit more from FC Platinum’s involvement in football. If it’s possible, we would also want Shabanie Mine to return, so that week in week out we have visitors here,” she said.
Warehouse Entertainment director, Mr. Ignatius Chigidi, enjoys brisk business whenever FC Platinum are hosting a match, mainly because of his proximity to Mandava Stadium.
“There are people who didn’t know about our business here in Zvishavane who are now we exist because of football.
“Generally, whenever there is an influx of people in an area business booms. It’s natural,” says Mr. Chigidi.
The 15 000 seater Mandava Stadium, which was renovated by Mimosa Mine when FC Platinum made its Premier Soccer League debut in 2011, has hosted a number of high profile matches including the 2013 BancABC Sup8r Cup final between Platinum and local rivals Shabanie Mine.
That remains one of the fiercest Cup finals in the last decade as the two teams could not be separated until the sudden death penalties.
Shabanie Mine eventually won it.
Mandava has also hosted the Chibuku Super Cup final as CAF Confederations Cup matches.
Sarudzai Moyo, a 39-year-old woman from Makwasha area, who sells sadza in Mandava perhaps summed up the buzz in Zvishavane.
“We are a happy people here in Zvishavane. As for myself I can confirm that whenever FC Platinum are playing here we make a lot of money because a lot of people come here to buy sadza.
“I hope they (FC Platinum) keep dominating. In fact, I am confident of that because the boys are playing very well and the team is stable,” she said.
