DELTA Beverages has unveiled a $3,6 million sponsorship package for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) – double the cash injection that was enjoyed by the top-flight league in the last three seasons.
WELLINGTON TONI SPORTS EDITOR
The new deal translates to $1,2 million per season, broken down into $700 000 for the league and $500 000 for the new 16-team tournament, the Chibuku Super Cup.
In each of the last three seasons, the league received $600 000 from the sponsors, but in major vote of confidence for the Twine-Phiri led league, Delta upped the stakes which would bring the much-needed competition in the league.
Winners will get $100 000, up from $70 000 while the bottom two teams which will be relegated will get $5 000 each.
The previous sponsorship deal signed in 2011 was worth $1,8m spread over three years. For each season, Delta Beverages sponsored the league to the tune of $600 000 with the champions pocketing $70 000, the runners-up $50 000 and third place finishers $30 000.
The footballer of the year pocketed $5 000 while his two runners-up got $3 000 and $2 000 respectively.
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Eight finalists for the footballer of the year prize each pocketed $1 000, the top goalscorer $3 000 while the goalkeeper of the year and rookie of the year got $2 000 each.
The coach of the year got $3 500, referee of the year $2 000 and his two runners-up $1 500 and $1 000 respectively.
The most disciplined team – with the least number of yellow and red cards – picked up a $10 000 cash prize.
Speaking at the official launch yesterday, Delta marketing director Maxen Karombo said the sponsorship was not only a commitment to entertaining their customers, but also a direct support of the Zimbabwe government’s renewed focus on sport.
“Delta is simply playing its part in promoting the sustainable growth of sport in the country. The new Castle Lager Premier Soccer League sponsorship package covers a period of three years – that is the 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons,” he said.
“There will be evaluations conducted by Delta Beverages and the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League at the end of each season to ensure that we both meet our stated objectives.
“Part of the sponsorship covers the administrative PSL’s administrative costs. However, the promotion of administration costs has been reduced in order to direct more money towards the clubs (from over $200 000 to $150 000).
“We are also in the final stages of planning a coaching clinic to be conducted by coaches from FC Barcelona during the course of the season this year.
“Delta Beverages’ level of investment has gone up from $600 000 to $1,2 million per season – therefore doubling the investment. Although our agreement is subject to review every year, Delta Beverages will therefore invest a total of $3,6 million in direct cash investment in the Premier Soccer League for the next three years.
“We hope that this level of commitment to our beautiful game will bring a lot of excitement in the league and will yield a resounding success, one that makes all of us proud stakeholders.
“We would also like to acknowledge the Castle Lager PSL who have worked hard to build a strong and healthy working relationship with Delta Beverages.
“The doubling of the sponsorship package is testimony to the hard work that the newly-elected chairman Twine Phiri and the chief executive Kennedy Ndebele have put in the last three years,” Karombo added.
