Uncertainty clouds Bosso- Bank ABC deal

HIGHLANDERS' principal sponsors BancABC are yet to officially commit themselves to the Bulawayo giants when their agreement expires this year.

Well-placed sources however say indications point towards a renewal of the five-year sponsorship deal that comes to an end this year. The financial institution became Highlanders' principal sponsors in 2011 and have been paying the players' salaries as well as providing the team with match and training kit, and travelling bags.

Besides the main sponsorship package, the financial institution released $80,000 for player acquisition in 2014.

Highlanders' chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede told a press conference at the club house yesterday that they met with BancABC officials in Harare to present their case.

"We have met them and presented our case, but all I can tell you is that they have told us to wait a little bit, they will come back to us," said Gumede.

While Gumede chose to be diplomatic, sources yesterday said that the bank was happy with its relationship with the Bulawayo giants and would almost certainly renew its sponsorship.

"It's all to do with the corporate governance issues, which Highlanders are known to uphold so dearly. The bank is satisfied with its brand being associated with Highlanders, but more importantly the way Highlanders runs its systems," said the source.

"How many clubs hold annual general meetings where audited accounts are presented to members? So while, of course, there is all the reason for members and supporters to worry about the delay in renewing the sponsorship, for all I know, it is imminent," said the source privy to the matter.

Some members though have been urging the club to seek alternative sponsorship avenues in the event a new deal with the bank is not thrashed out.