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Mathare Utd land Sh20m shirt deal

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 00:00 | By
Triple5bet CEO Paolo Abenavoli and Mathare United chairman Bob Munro during the unveiling of the club’s sponsorship deal yesterday in Nairobi. Photo/PD/BARRY SILAH

Barry Silah @obel_barry

Mathare United chairman Bob Munro has described the current limbo between his club and Football Kenya Federation over the StarTimes broadcast deal as politics that he will not be party to.

 “As far as I know we are in the league unless someone can state the contrary. Our problem is with how things are done.

How can you sign an endorsement letter which we have not seen? All this is a distraction and we know it,” stated Munro yesterday at Movenpick Hotel, Nairobi, during the signing of a partnership agreement with new betting firm Triple5bet. 

Munro also accused the Federation of using underhand tactics to postpone their match against Gor Mahia which was due for today.

“I have never seen in the FKF Rules & Regulations any clause concerning postponement of a match just because parties have issues with a contract.

Issues of commercial rights are serious and must be scrutinised in detail. There is a bigger thing going on which I do not like.

It is all football politics. At the end of the day, all players in the league are suffering because the commercial deal does not benefit them.”

Meanwhile, the new sponsorship deal with the club will see the club get Sh20 million for a period of one year with possibility of renewal over the next five years subject to further agreement. 

Munro praised the partnership saying it is a highly considerate gesture in the face of the Covid-19 menace. 

“We want to celebrate a new partner and really we want to thank them for their commitment.

They have come in during these unusual times when companies are struggling and cutting costs. It shows we share values and I want to promise Triple5bet that they will reap from their investment.

Our players have struggled but I thank them for their sacrifice. They deserve all the plaudits,” said Munro who is a former Kenya Premier League Limited Chairman.

Triple5bet CEO Paolo Abenavoli said he is happy with the new engagement which he believes is a win-win for both sides.

“Betting industry has really grown and developed in this country. We started business a few months ago and after engaging with Mathare United on a first time basis, we were certain they were the right partners.

It is an initial one year plan but it will be reviewed. We also plan to work with the feeder Mathare Youth Sports Association,” said the Italian businessman who has resided in the country for over 20 years.

Mathare United Coach Salim Ali was pleased with the partnership, saying he will now have a dedicated group of players.   “This is good for us as a team.” I am looking forward to even greater success.”

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