ZIMBABWEAN household brand Fasclean Washing Powder has stepped up to support sport development in the country after announcing sponsorship of the Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union (ZTTU) and several grassroots initiatives.
The company, known for its affordable and skin-friendly detergent including a fragrance-free variant, says the move is part of its commitment to uplift talent and keep communities active.
ZTTU president Noah Ferenando welcomed the partnership, saying it comes at a crucial time for the sport.
“We are excited to have Fasclean on board. Table tennis is growing fast in Zimbabwe and we need corporate partners who believe in our vision," he said.
"This sponsorship will go a long way in supporting our players, tournaments, and development programs across the country.”
Fasclean position manager Edwin Moyo said the company sees sport as a key vehicle for youth development and national pride.
“As a Zimbabwean brand, we want to be part of success stories. Sport brings people together and gives young people a platform to shine," Moyo said.
"We are proud to support ZTTU and we hope this is the beginning of a long relationship.”
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Beyond table tennis, Fasclean is also supporting music and arts and a number of community and school programs aimed at promoting health, hygiene, and talent development.
The company noted that while it remains focused on providing quality, affordable cleaning products for homes, it is equally committed to giving back. Fasclean also manufactures shoe polish and batteries among other brands in their diverse portfolio.
“When our communities and athletes win, Zimbabwe wins. Fasclean is here to support that journey,” added Moyo.
The sponsorship unveiled ahead of the recently ended Regional Table Tennis Championships is expected to assist ZTTU with equipment, tournament support, and player welfare as the union pushes to raise the profile of table tennis locally and internationally.
Meanwhile, ZTTU received a major equipment boost ahead of international duty, courtesy of Ohmein Major Sports Institute.
The sponsorship package includes electronic tracking polar system gadgets and two full playing kits. The gear was handed over during the regional games and will be used by the national team before they travel to India for their next assignment.
“We received a boost in Electronic Tracking Polar System gadgets from Major Sports Institute. We also received two kits ahead of India courtesy of Ohmein,” ZTTU president Noah Ferenando said.
For Ohmein director Nyasha Charundura, the partnership is about more than logos and kits. It is about giving back.
“The support is not based on fees, but it’s just based on giving back to the community,” he said.
“When we launched this thing a month ago, we gave kids in schools equipment as well, especially for the football side.”
Charundura is no stranger to elite sport in Africa. He served as fitness coach for the Warriors during an Afcon campaign and also worked as a sports scientist with Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.
He now runs Major Sports, an organisation that runs development programmes across the region. He is based in Tanzania but says the goal is to grow the brand globally.
“I have more of a football foundation if you research about me,” Charundura said.
“So to me, it’s more or less like just giving back to the community and also the possibility of a national team.”
But he also sees a bigger picture for sport in Zimbabwe. He wants partnerships to be two-way streets, where brands grow while athletes benefit.
“Sports is a billion-dollar industry. Investments must be done to sports, but brands should also leverage and market themselves when they bring sponsorship,” he said.
“Right now most partnerships are one-sided. There’s need for replicas to be sold to fans too. That would make a big statement.”
He said Major Sports is pushing its brand in every country it operates and wants Zimbabwean athletes to do the same.
“We are not just a local organisation, we are a global organisation,” he added.
“For players, let them go and do their best and let them represent the brand in a positive way. They are also a product. They should have ways of presenting themselves or growing into becoming brands at the end of the day.”
ZTTU says the gadgets will help with player tracking, fitness monitoring and performance analysis as the team prepares for India. The new kits will be worn during the tournament.
For Ferenando, it is a sign that investment is coming back into the sport.
“It shows people still believe in table tennis,” he said. “And with support like this, we can compete and grow.”
