Harare (New Ziana)-CBZ Bank Holdings subsidiary, Red Sphere Finance, has handed over a sports kit to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services women football team, Correctional Queens in a development aimed at supporting the girl child in a sport dominated by men.

Speaking during the handover of the ZWL$896 000 worth kit, Red Sphere managing director Desmund Ali said the company was implementing measures to empower women in a country where all support was given to male sportspersons.

“Sport is one of the most effective ways to advance the status, liberty, and well-being of women and girls, because sport, especially soccer, has been stereotyped as a masculine activity hence the marginalized participation of females.

“Through this partnership, Red Sphere Finance is seeking to break such barriers and give equal opportunity to women and girls in this sporting discipline, that is soccer. I am reliably informed that the Correctional Queens Football Club is one of the best competitive teams around and that gives me hope that RedSphere Finance is associating with a team that will soon be crowned as champions,” he said.

“As a country we have let down the girl child. It is important that we correct that,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner General Moses Chihobvu, deputy Commissioner Manetswa Manhivi commended Red Sphere for the donation.

“It is not a secret ladies and gentlemen, that players who are fully supported or kitted do wonders on the pitch in terms of their performance. Thus, as ZPCS, we remain grateful and our doors remain open to all willing stakeholders who are keen to join hands with us in ensuring that our Queens’ needs are catered for,” said Chihobvu.

New Ziana