MTC increases soccer sponsorship

Mobile telecommunications giant and the country’s biggest benefactor of sport, MTC has announced a sponsorship of N$11.3 million for the 2012/13 soccer season, represnting a 6% increase from the previous season.
Speaking at the launch of the 2012/13 season, Chairman of the Namibia Premier League, Johnny Doëseb expressed gratitude towards MTC for promoting excellent football through their funding of the game. At the same ocassion, Doëseb blasted critics of core branding advising soccer fans and other stakeholders to rather concentrate on coming up with solutions on how they can attract investors to come on board in football.
Tim Ekandjo, Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer at MTC said that although their three-year contract with the Namibia Premier League has come to an end, MTC could get more involved in football.
“We are growing an appetite to get involved in other areas of football,” Ekandjo said.
But despite the increase in sponsorship, the league champions will again this season, walk away with N$1 Million while the runners-up will receive N$600,000, with the third and  fourth-placed team each receiving N$300,000 and N$100,000 respectively.
In addition, the nine Premier League Clubs sponsored by MTC will receive a start up capital of N$220,000 as well as cash allowance of N$55,000 for six months.
Black Africa and FNB Orlando Pirates gets the 2012/13 season under way at the Independence stadium on Friday. The match starts at 20:00.
On Saturday, league debutantsTura Magic will play Blue Waters at 16:00 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, while African Stars will square up against Rundu Chiefs at the Independence Stadium at 18:00.
Tigers will travel to Otjiwarongo to take on Mighty Gunners at 16:00, while Eleven Arrows will host Civics at the Narraville Stadium at 16:00. On Sunday, SKW will play Ramblers at the Independence Stadium at 16h00.