Vodacom reinforces sponsorship of SA football 19/08/2009 |
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The reason behind influx of foreign players into South Africa’s leagues was highlighted once again at the weekend with the news that Vodacom have upped their sponsorship of the Tanzanian Premier League.
The cellular phone giant in that country announced that they had increased their package of the 12-team Tanzanian Premier League for the 2009/2010 season from 4-million to R6-million, to make it the richest East African League.
Vodacom’s head of sponsorship in Tanzania, George Rwehumbiza discloses that their new deal is a R24-million five-year contract with the Tanzania Football Federation which covers teams’ sportswear, transportation, allowances, match commissioners and referees, TFF administration expenses and prizes.
“We are proud of being the best league in East Africa.
Previously, players from DRC, Cameroon or Nigeria and the like did not think of playing in the county, but our efforts to attract them have finally paid off,” Rwehumbiza says.
Based on the figures disclosed, which works out to less than R75000 a month, South Africa’s First Division clubs are swimming in the money with a grant of R150 000 a month, plus travelling expenses from the PSL.
Many of the local First Division clubs have also negotiated their own kit deals.
Vodacom’s commitment to soccer in South Africa is far more extensive here than in other parts of Africa.
Apart from its sponsorship of Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, the company bankrolls the annual Mandela Challenge.
The company’s support of local soccer extends to sponsorship of Safa’s nine regional leagues, Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, and the national under-20 team, Amajita.
The sponsorship is a testament to Vodacom's belief in South Africa and its commitment to the people's game. It is also a reflection of Vodacom's commitment to be involved in all levels of the sport, from the pinnacle of national representation at Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana level to the breeding ground of talent provided by Amajita, from whence stars such as Benni McCarthy, Junaid Hartley, Quinton Fortune and Stanton Fredericks have emerged. Vodacom is also the official cellular supplier to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Vodacom League
As part of Vodacom's development initiative, the company sponsors the Vodacom League, a feeder to the First Division and Premier Soccer League.
The League features 144 men's teams and 100 women's teams and, since its inception in 1998, has produced many players who have progressed to bigger things. Vodacom has always aimed to uplift the lives of ordinary South Africans, and the Vodacom League is there to not only provide players with an opportunity to develop their talents, but also prove to the youth of this country the results that hard work and dedication bring.
SA 2010
Vodacom was a major supporter of South Africa's 2010 World Cup Bid and continues to play a key role in the funding of the country's now historic hosting of one of the greatest sporting spectacles on the planet. Vodacom was one of only two major sponsors to commit its support to the Bid from the onset right up until the date of kick-off, once again affirming the company's loyalty to South African soccer.
The company also hosted a massive Bid Announcement Party at Vodaworld, where the announcement was screened live on a big screen and accompanied by the typical Vodacom celebrations.
The League kicks off on August 23 with 12 Premiership sides ready to battle it out for the prestigious title. Young Africans are the current titleholders.
(Source: kickoff.com)
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