Mathare United in Sh60 million sponsorship boost
From left: Mathare United FC captain Chrispin Oduor, Odibets Communication Director Dedan Mungai, Mathare United chairman Bob Munro and head coach Francis Kimanzi during the sponsorship ceremony held in Nairobi on October 3, 2018. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO |
What you need to know:
- Club chairman Bob Munro says the new sponsor’s package will be enough to clear the monthly salaries as well as cater for other logistics.
- The Kenyan Premier League Chief Executive Officer Jack Oguda lauded the betting firm for joining the football industry.
- “Increased sponsorship will make the league more competitive and for sure Odibets are going to get a value for their money,” Oguda said during the launch.
The 2008 SportPesa Premier League champions Mathare United on Wednesday received a huge boost ahead of the 2018/19 season due in December with a three year sponsorship deal worth Sh60 million from betting firm Odibets.
A sigh of relief engulfed the Slum Boys’ playing unit and staff as the betting firm unveiled the partnership they termed “largest in the history of the club” at a Nairobi hotel.
Annually, the club will receive Sh20 million.
“It’s an open deal that stands to be built on incrementally,” Odibets Communication and Marketing manager Dedan Mungai said during the launch.
He added: “Every butcher has his own favourite knife and for Odibets, our knife is Mathare United football club. For the next three seasons, they will be donning our logo on their shirts and we shall also conduct CSR activities with them.”
The online and mobile betting platform will help in nurturing of talents for an impact on grassroots football, an idea that excited team coach Francis Kimanzi.
“It comes at a time we really needed it. To be a successful team you need motivation that brings a lot of consistency and this partnership with Odibets is a huge relief for us because at the end of the season when we shall approach some new targets, they will be motivated and confident that the environment will be safer,” said the Harambee Stars assistant coach.
Mathare United, who parted ways with insurance company Britam and betting firm Betway last year after their contracts elapsed, have had delays in salaries that contributed to lethargic performance in the middle of this season.
Club chairman Bob Munro says the new sponsor’s package will be enough to clear the monthly salaries as well as cater for other logistics.
The Kenyan Premier League Chief Executive Officer Jack Oguda lauded the betting firm for joining the football industry.
“Increased sponsorship will make the league more competitive and for sure Odibets are going to get a value for their money,” Oguda said during the launch.
Mathare, who’ve chalked up 11 wins, 14 draws and eight losses this term, sit eighth on the 18-team table with 47 points.
Team captain Chris Oduor said with their mojo back, their target is to win their last match against Ulinzi Stars on Sunday for a top eight finish.
“We will be in a good position to even fight for the title and improve Kenyan football by featuring in continental competitions,” said the striker.
