CSR Network Zimbabwe (CSRNZ) had an interview with Gerald Sibanda (GS), Founder & CEO of Athletes Sphere Management and Chairman Betis Academy Zimbabwe:
CSRNZ: What is Betis academy
GS: Betis Academy Zimbabwe is part of the International grassroots development programs of Real Betis Balompie.
The aim is to bring the Experience and Expertise of the Real Betis Balompie methodology to the world, on a permanent basis. Exclusive for boys and girls looking to add value to their soccer experience and enjoy a high class training methodology.
CSRNZ: What inspired you to begin this initiative
GS: After my 12 year International and Professional Rugby career, I was blessed to play in many Continents around the world with the Zimbabwe 7s and 15s rugby teams, I also played professionally in South Africa, Scotland and Romania before retiring in 2017. I then founded Athletes Sphere Management, now one of the leading Sports Management companies in Africa with a Global Presence in Football, Rugby, Boxing amongst others sporting disciplines.
The aim is to bring World Class opportunities to the Elite athletes and Stakeholders in Sports both in Africa and Zimbabwe.
CSRNZ: What positive change do you expect to see from this initiative and what positive have you already begun to experience
GS: Real Betis is a big and powerful brand in World Football in the top 5 of Spanish football behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. Our projects in Zimbabwe have seen positive coverage of Brand Zimbabwe, local Corporates have Prime time Broadcast visibility in the La Liga home games. Youths around Zimbabwe from all societies have found hope through the Betis Academy and our National Program continues to grow.
CSRNZ: What is the role played by your associate partners
GS: Through our Partnership with Real Betis, I have seen through the successful formation of the Football Academy in Zimbabwe, centers in Harare and Bulawayo at present, we have received great support from the Government of Zimbabwe in creating a working environment for our programs, ZTA, the Embassy of Spain, our Corporate Sponsors: Doves Holdings and Minerva Risk Advisors, Faramatsi Motors, 4May, I have seen through the Partnership between Real Betis the Club and the Zimbabwe Champions FC Platinum.
As an Agency we are working very impressively with La Liga and have so far seen a number of visits to Zimbabwe from Southern Africa Managing Director Marcos Pelegrin and a lot of coverage for Zimbabwe benefitting our Tourism. So am very impressed with our growth and the role and support of every partner and Stakeholder
CSRNZ: What CSR opportunities are there in sports and specifically in the Academy
GS: Sport is a powerful vehicle in the unity of communities, in building and healing nations and a fantastic platform for any CSR outreach programs.
As the Betis Academy we are open to create CSR assets to many corporates keen to grow with us in our National Development Program for Zimbabwe in football and sport.
