AN unlikely Messiah has come to the rescue of the country’s soccer clubs!

Zimbabwean football can now heave a sigh of relief following revelations on Friday that a special fund that seeks to compensate clubs for their expenses at the end of the season will be established at the end of this month.

According to Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze, the country’s various leagues — from the Premiership down to Area Zones — will receive payouts from the association at the end of the year to be shared among clubs subject to their respective positions on the log-standings.

Mashingaidze’s annou-ncement, which should come as sweet music to the football community, comes amid revelations the PSL — the only league in the country that was still enjoying financial support from the corporate world until Econet Wireless pulled out at the end of last year — has given up on finding a sponsor for the 2006 season.

"The position taken by Zifa is that we cannot allow our clubs to play for nothing, considering the costs involved and our commitment to development. A Marketing Committee will be set up at the end of the month that will mobilise resources and set up a special fund that will cater for not just national teams’ commitments, but our clubs as well. Whilst Fifa has committed resources to various top-flight leagues around the world — in our case US$15 000 for the PSL — this money will not be for prizes but for such operational costs as administration, re-branding, office equipment and technology.

"We have realised the various leagues — including the PSL — are failing to source sponsorship; that is why Zifa has had to come in and make sure our football doesn’t collapse. PSL clubs will be taking part in continental competitions next year and they cannot afford it if they come out empty-handed at the end of the season," said Mashingaidze.

He would not talk figures, insisting "that can only be worked out after taking into account the success of the fund-raising drive".

Mashingaidze was quick to dismiss sentiments the corporate sector might not be forthcoming in donating to the fund in protest at lack of transparency in such previous exercises, adding Zifa had done its homework and had already sounded out potential sponsors.

In a related development, Mashingaidze said Zifa would take the opportunity to appeal for more assistance when a delegation from world soccer body Fifa visits the country next week. A three-member delegation headed by Cosafa secretary general, Ashford Mamelodi, will be in the country from 24-28 July during which time they will meet stakeholders to brainstorm on the football challenges the country is facing.

"While we appreciate the assistance coming from Fifa, we are saying because we are a developing nation, we obviously have more needs than established associations that receive equal assistance," added Mashingaidze.

Meanwhile Mashingaidze revealed a national Under-23 coach will be announced this week to replace Masvingo United’s Luke Masomere. Although he refused to reveal the name, Standardsport understands Highlanders boss Methembe Ndlovu will be unveiled as the new coach