Mega Market Mountaineers deal: The beat goes on
THE power of the game of cricket to attract sound sponsorship deals continues to flex its muscle after local franchise, Mountaineers renewed their marriage vows with revered FastMoving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and manufacturing industries giants, Mega Market (Pvt) Ltd in partnership with Willowton Group. The deal was launched last season. Under the terms of the agreement, Mega Market (Pvt) Ltd will serve as the official naming rights partner for Mountaineers.
This will see the team maintaining the name Mega Market Mountaineers for the 2023-24 season. Willowton Group’s D’lite brand will be displayed on the front of the team’s playing shirts.
Writing on their website, Mountaineers said: “Mountaineers is pleased to announce the renewal of a significant sponsorship agreement with Mega Market (Pvt) Ltd in partnership with Willowton Group, both renowned and respected organisations in the FMCG and manufacturing industries.
“This exciting partnership marks a significant milestone for both institutions and is set to bring a range of benefits to all stakeholders.”
Mega Market (Pvt) Ltd managing director, Ahmed Shiraan, expressed great enthusiasm, stating: “We are thrilled to announce this exciting sponsorship agreement with Mountaineers. They are the current Pro50 Champions and this winning mentality make them an ideal partner for us. This collaboration will enable us to achieve our strategic objectives while providing enhanced value to our customers and stakeholders.”
Willowton Group’s managing director, Suleman Darsot further added: “Through this partnership, we will have access to the fast-growing cricket fan network. This will empower us to drive innovation and deliver even greater value to our customers. We look forward to working closely with Mountaineers and leveraging their support to make a positive impact in society.”
Willowton Group Zimbabwe is one of leading producer of edible oil, soaps and margarine in Zimbabwe. Operating from Mutare, the company is a subsidiary of the Willowton Group South Africa which was formed in 1970 as a family business. Equally excited about the collaboration, Mountaineers general manager, Terry Nyakurimwa, expressed their commitment to the partnership.
“We are delighted to partner with Mega Market (Pvt) Ltd and Willowton Group and support their efforts to ensure that we bring success at greater heights to our community. This sponsorship deal aligns perfectly with our mission and values, and we are excited to contribute our expertise and resources to their ongoing success. Together, we will create a powerful synergy that will benefit our fans and all our various stakeholders.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward for all institutions and highlights their mutual commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
“The shared vision and complementary strengths ensure a promising future, as they work together to drive growth and make a positive impact in the community,” said Nyakurimwa. Meanwhile, Mega Market Mountaineers lost to Rhinos in the initial Zimbabwe Cricket Pro50 championship fixtures played at Mutare Sports Club during the weekend.
The Manicaland/Mashonaland East franchise first lost by four wickets then by eight wickets.
Tarisai Musakanda and Antum Naqvi produced brilliant batting displays to make light work of Mountaineers’ target of 296.
Speaking to Post Sport, Musakanda said it feels good to win against the big guns.
He said: “I feel really good winning against such a talented line-up consisting of Donald Tiripano and Tendai Chatara, plus the big batters, Tony Munyonga and Joylord Gumbie. Crossing over the line feels good as this is the first match of the Pro50 Championship. In the next match, I will be hoping to stick to the basics and to quickly adapt to replicate this momentous performance.” The defending champions’ new coach, Stuart Matsikenyeri said he was impressed by the boys’ performance despite the loss. He said: “It’s not the best way to start the season, but the guys applied themselves well and played good cricket. I feel like we let them back into the game a little bit. I expect the team to improve their catching, ground fielding and decision making with the bat and to be disciplined with ball.
“If we can improve from then, we can bounce back to winning ways and fans can expect thriller in forthcoming matches.”