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Leonard Ncube, leonard.ncube@chronicle.co.zw
ZIFA Southern Region Division One League side, Victoria Falls City FC, and Herentals have entered into a historic partnership to collaborate on various fronts, including aiding the resort city-based side in gaining promotion to topflight football.
Herentals play in the Premier Soccer League, while Victoria Falls City finished eighth in the Division One league last season.
This unprecedented partnership was recently formalised and will not affect the technical teams of either side. Instead, it will create opportunities for exchange programmes. Under the new arrangement, Victoria Falls City will assume the new name Victoria Falls City Herentals FC.
The partnership has sparked debate among football enthusiasts in Victoria Falls. Some view it as a “sell-out” move by the local club to Herentals FC, while others have praised it as a much-needed development.
In a statement, Victoria Falls City Herentals FC management said the partnership is founded on a shared passion for football and a commitment to excellence.
The management stated that fans could look forward to enhanced match-day experiences, improved interaction with the team, access to team content, and collaborative community outreach programmes aimed at promoting football development and corporate social responsibility.
“We are thrilled to announce that Victoria Falls City has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Herentals FC. This exciting collaboration is set to revolutionise the football landscape in our community and beyond.
“As part of this partnership, Victoria Falls City FC and Herentals FC will work together to promote the development of football talent, enhance fan experiences, and ensure the growth and success of both teams.
“We are delighted to welcome Herentals FC to the Victoria Falls City family and look forward to working together to achieve great things. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to innovation, excellence, and the growth of football in our community,” said the team.
When asked to elaborate on the partnership, Andile Sikosana, the team’s secretary-general, described it as a balanced 50-50 arrangement where both teams will pool resources to support each other and drive the growth of both Victoria Falls FC and Herentals FC.
He noted that the partnership extends to collaboration with the Herentals Group of Colleges.
“Herentals FC is bringing various resources to Victoria Falls. Herentals are in the Premier Soccer League, and we are learning from them. This partnership will enhance our football administration and help us grow as a club.
“They have partnered with a team in Victoria Falls as part of their plans to expand their presence in the region. Additionally, we will introduce our Victoria Falls City Herentals Queens and Under-15 and Under-13 development teams.
“We urge Victoria Falls residents to rally behind the team. We need their support more than ever as we aim for the Premier League. Together, as a city, we believe we can achieve this,” he said.
Sikosana emphasised that each team would contribute unique resources to help achieve this year’s Premier Soccer League target.
“We expect a vibrant season filled with energy. There will be no changes to the technical teams, as we will maintain our coach, and they will retain theirs.
“However, there will be coach exchange programmes to improve coaching and allow both sides to gain exposure to different football environments,” he added.
The club will be conducting trials for new players interested in joining the team this week.– @ncubeleon
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