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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Army is in the hunt for a corporate partner to bankroll its growing ZNA Charities Shield tournament that is likely to involve all 16 Premiership teams from next season.

Inaugurated in 2013 when Caps United beat Black Rhinos 2-1 in the final, the tournament has been exclusively funded by the army mainly through match day gate takings.

Highlanders retained the cup this year after overcoming Harare City 4-2 on penalties at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday. For their efforts, Bosso collected $12,000, while Harare City pocketed $8,000.

This year’s tournament grossed $100,000 from the seven matches played.

Speaking on the sidelines of a dinner organised for the two teams and invited dignitaries after Sunday’s final, ZNA Charities Secretariat Staff Officer Grade One, Lieutenant-Colonel Fabian Chitungo said the army was hunting for a partner to take over bankrolling of the event.

“We would want someone to come and take total ownership of this event. We are convinced that the tournament presents a great marketing opportunity for the corporate world and we believe we are going to get the trust of the business community in this endeavour,” said Chitungo.

He expressed satisfaction with the way the tournament has been run so far, saying they would be working hand in hand with the Premier Soccer League to ensure the tournament becomes more exciting in future. He also said they would prefer to have the tournament during pre-season in future.

“Ideally we would be happy with the tournament taking place during pre-season unlike what happened this year where we played our first matches in March and waited for a month to stage the final, it takes away the sparkle, but we understand that the PSL has a busy and tight schedule. We will engage them and try to reach a convergence,” said Chitungo.