Harare — Zimbabwe's preparations for the 2010 World Cup/Nations Cup qualifiers received a timely boost yesterday when a fundraising committee to mobilise financial resources for the Warriors was set up in Harare

Vice President Joseph Msika, who is also the Zifa patron, officially launched the fundraising campaign and mandated the committee to raise and manage funds for the Warriors' needs during the qualifiers.

The launch came just over a week before Zimbabwe begin their 2010 World Cup qualifier against Guinea in Conakry. The committee - led by Harare businessman Tendai Savanhu - is expected to raise in excess of $100 trillion and more than US$250 000 towards Zimbabwe's battle to play in South Africa.

The other members are businessman Phillip Chiyangwa, Zimbabwe Stock Exchange chairman Bart Mswaka, ZSE chief executive Emmanuel Munyukwi, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Karikoga Kaseke, Pioneer Transport director Simon Rudland, Minister of Transport and Communication Christopher Mushohwe and Deputy Ministers of Energy and Water Resources, Information and Publicity, and Youth Development and Employment Creation Walter Mzembi, Bright Matonga and Saviour Kasukuwere, respectively.

Zifa chairman Wellington Nyatanga and the association's former treasurer Frank Valdermarca, CBZ Holdings boss Nyasha Makuvise, Nestle Zimbabwe finance director Farai Munetsi and Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe chief George Guvamatanga are also in the committee in which Zifa chief executive Henrietta Rushwaya retains the co-ordinator's portfolio.

Speaking at the launch, Vice President Msika called upon the corporate world to assist the Government in promoting sport to motivate teams to produce their best performances.

"As one of the political leaders in this country and the patron of Zifa, I am acutely aware that the successful participation of our national sports teams in international tournaments requires the unwavering support of our Government alongside that of members of the corporate world.

"This support is meant to allow our teams to be comfortable as they prepare and participate in international tournaments such as the forthcoming World Cup showcase.

"This is all designed to induce our teams to produce their best performance," Vice President Msika said.

In noting the current hyperinflationary environment, Vice President Msika said the $100 trillion and US$250 000 required might lose value and there was need to invest the donated funds.

"In recognition of the effects of our inflationary environment on the value of our finances, I urge the committee to come up with investment strategies that will hedge donated funds against inflation," he said.

He urged the committee to be transparent in its operations.

"Just like in the previous efforts during the AFCON 2006 soccer extravaganza which was staged in Egypt, I will expect the fundraising committee to be accountable, professional and transparent in their handling of public funds," he said.

After successfully mobilising support from the corporate world, the previous fundraising committee released their audited statements in a show of transparency on how the funds raised for the Warriors 2006 African Cup of Nations campaign were used.

Gwatidzo & Company Chartered Accountants audited the funds and produced a statement expressed in Zimbabwe and United States dollars which pertained to all transactions. Vice-President Msika also noted that sport could be used as an ambassador that brings people together. Minister of Education, Sport and Culture Aeneas Chigwedere paid tribute to the Vice President for the initiative of coming up with the fundraising committee.

"The Sports and Recreation Commission has a policy document which was launched some time in April, May last year to give incentives to corporates that support sport. "I have challenged the corporates to come up with proposals on tax rebates but none have come back with the proposals and Government is still waiting.

"Cabinet has accepted tax rebates and this is now Government policy. "I believe business will get more limelight by promoting sport than giving percentages straight to the fiscus," he said. Vice-chairman of the fundraising committee Chiyangwa said the initiative was taken in light of the importance of football.

"Our national teams need resources to ensure that they remain focused on the job at hand," Chiyangwa said. He said the pledges should start coming in any time.

Also present at the launch were Minister of Finance Samuel Mumbengegwi, Warriors coach Valinhos, national teams general manager Sharif Mussa, Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters' Association members led by their leader Eddie "Mboma" Nyatanga and representatives of several stock exchange-listed companies.