The deal ends ZC’s marriage with local manufacturers Faith Wear who have been kitting the national teams over the past few years.Zimbabwe is expected to start using the new kit soon with the franchises having already made the switch to the new suppliers.
ZC managing director Ozias Bvute confirmed that a deal was on with Reebok, adding that an announcement was due in the next few weeks.“I can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Reebok but we will make a public announcement in the next few weeks. We are currently finalising the details,” Bvute said, preferring not to reveal much regarding the deal.
But IndependentSport has since learnt that Zimbabwe might be using the new kit in their next tour of South Africa.Zimbabwe is due to play two Twenty-20 matches and three One-Day-Internationals against South Africa, who are kitted by Reebok as well, starting on October 8.
The kit, according to informants, has not yet arrived but a delivery is expected any time soon. “The kit has not yet arrived but they could use it in South Africa and if not, then definitely will use it when they tour Bangladesh next year,” said a source.
Reebok will provide kits for all national teams and all franchises where they are expected to benefit from the sale of replica shirts for the fans.Cricket is the second most popular sport in Zimbabwe after football and commands a sizeable following.
Reebok has been making inroads into the cricket market, already boasting of dressing Asian giants Sri Lanka and the Proteas.In other developments, ZC is upgrading both the Harare Sports Club and the CFX Academy, a move which will see the establishment of flood lights at the former.
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This will see Zimbabwe being able to host day and night matches in future with the prospect of having the domestic T-20 championships being played in the evenings.
Meanwhile, all rounder Sean Williams made a brilliant knock of 74 runs off 86 balls but that was not enough to steer Zimbabwe to victory in the last of the Coca Cola three-match ODI series against touring Ireland at the Harare Sports Club yesterday.
Zimbabwe were hoping for a whitewash but the tourists’ bowlers turned on the style to bowl out Zimbabwe for 224 and ensure victory.After winning the toss, Elton Chigumbura sent in Ireland to bat and they managed a competitive 244 all out in 49,4 overs, with seam bowler Edward Rainsford again starring for Zimbabwe with a five wicket haul.
Zimbabwe’s run chase then got off to a creaky start when openers Hamilton Masakadza (0) and Brendan Taylor (3) were both Kevin O’Brien’s early victims with both being trapped leg before and from then wickets fell before meaningful partnerships could mature.
Wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu and Chigumbura each scored 22 as a determined Irish side finally managed their only win of the tour.
Kevin Mapasure
