News / National
Luis Figo hints on possible investment in Zimbabwe mining
07 Sep 2013 at 06:13hrs | Views
FORMER Fifa World Player of the Year and Portuguese international Luis Figo yesterday said his visit to Zimbabwe was to explore mining opportunities in the country.
The legendary winger sneaked into Zimbabwe on Thursday afternoon through the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in the company of South African businessman Gayton McKenzie who is a business partner to Kenny Kunene (Sushi King).
Figo and his business associates visited a gold mine in Hope Fountain on the outskirts of Bulawayo yesterday.
Speaking before his departure from Zimbabwe, the ex-Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan winger said he was looking forward to investing in the country.
"This is my first time to be here and the place looks quiet and relaxing," he said.
"I came with a friend who invited me to see opportunities to do something in football and other areas. I cannot say much because it was a short visit but I managed to get contacts with local people. As a businessman I am always hoping to do some good business here and probably contribute to the development of this country."
Figo, who won a Uefa Champions League title with Real Madrid in 2002, was happy with the country's hospitality.
"Like I said, this is my first time here and the people are very welcoming and with such hospitality, I am sure I will be back," he said.
His visit comes a week after Zimbabwe successfully co-hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly with Zambia. A visit by such a high profile figure depicts Zimbabwe as a safe investment and tourism destination.
McKenzie said he met Figo at a business expo in Europe and he expressed his desire to spread his investments.
"I have been investing in Zimbabwe for the past nine years and because of the potential that I saw, I decided to invite Figo to explore business opportunities here," he said.
"Zimbabwe is an investment haven and has a potential for an economic boom. So, investors can utilise the opportunities which are here."
Local miner Tapiwa Chipembere who was in the company of Figo and McKenzie expressed hope that the Portuguese would invest in Zimbabwe.
Soon after the interview, the former European Footballer of the Year who had a career spanning 20 years was whisked away to the VIP travellers section as people had started to swamp on the legendary soccer player for photographs.
The legendary winger sneaked into Zimbabwe on Thursday afternoon through the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in the company of South African businessman Gayton McKenzie who is a business partner to Kenny Kunene (Sushi King).
Figo and his business associates visited a gold mine in Hope Fountain on the outskirts of Bulawayo yesterday.
Speaking before his departure from Zimbabwe, the ex-Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan winger said he was looking forward to investing in the country.
"This is my first time to be here and the place looks quiet and relaxing," he said.
"I came with a friend who invited me to see opportunities to do something in football and other areas. I cannot say much because it was a short visit but I managed to get contacts with local people. As a businessman I am always hoping to do some good business here and probably contribute to the development of this country."
Figo, who won a Uefa Champions League title with Real Madrid in 2002, was happy with the country's hospitality.
His visit comes a week after Zimbabwe successfully co-hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly with Zambia. A visit by such a high profile figure depicts Zimbabwe as a safe investment and tourism destination.
McKenzie said he met Figo at a business expo in Europe and he expressed his desire to spread his investments.
"I have been investing in Zimbabwe for the past nine years and because of the potential that I saw, I decided to invite Figo to explore business opportunities here," he said.
"Zimbabwe is an investment haven and has a potential for an economic boom. So, investors can utilise the opportunities which are here."
Local miner Tapiwa Chipembere who was in the company of Figo and McKenzie expressed hope that the Portuguese would invest in Zimbabwe.
Soon after the interview, the former European Footballer of the Year who had a career spanning 20 years was whisked away to the VIP travellers section as people had started to swamp on the legendary soccer player for photographs.
Source - herald
