KPL side Sofapaka lands two year contract extension from jersey sponsors
Webster Nyandika and Charles Thuku
Former Kenyan Premier League champions Sofapaka can now heave a sigh of relief after betting firm Betika extended a sponsorship contract for another two years, in a deal worth Sh77 million.
The deal was announced yesterday during a brief function at Sofapaka’s training grounds in Eastleigh High School and the figure is a whopping increase from the Sh15 million initial sponsorship given by the firm in 2017/2018 as well as the Sh 35 Million given in 2019.
Cumulatively, Betika has already contributed Sh 50 Million in cash and further much more millions in form of equipment and training gear.
The boost is indeed a welcome move for the club which, like many others in the league, has suffered from financial constraints and inability to meet all their football related expenses.
Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa was delighted with the news, saying :’’We are glad to see the partnership with Betika growing from strength to strength.
We have been in partnership for four years now and they have come again to our rescue at a time when we as a club are facing difficult times with the pandemic, it clearly shows that they believe in us and we will strive not let them down.”
He added: “Our players were feeling de-motivated from the league but through Betika’s input, our performance on the pitch will improve and we hope to do more.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, our target has always been to fight for the title and this financial help that has been extended will go a long way in motivating the players and giving them, the support they need to do better.”
Betika Head of Business John Mbatiah expressed satisfaction with the club’s progress and said: “Investing in Sofapaka is one of the nationwide activities that we have focused on.
Apart from Sofapaka, we commit to continue investing in the National Super League, through a partnership with Football Kenya Federation and also on grassroots football through Betika Na Community Initiative. Betika remains committed to the growth of football in Kenya.”
He added: “We believe in Sofapaka and that is why we have made sure that they have enough resources to enable them begin early preparations ahead of the new season that we hope will be announced soon and in return we expect nothing less than the league title.”
