FUFA Big League, FUFA Drum and Futsal League unveil new sponsor

Ugandan football could have finally hit the spot after FUFA unveiled a new partnership worth sh1.18b ($320,000) with betting company BetPawa.

The FUFA Big League which is the second-tier league in Uganda will receive $150,000 (sh560m) out of this sponsorship as part of the naming rights of the league. Though FUFA didn’t give the breakdown, each club will walk away with sh35m.

The other two properties to be sponsored starting with next season include; FUFA Drum ($150,000) and Futsal League ($20,000).

The immediate beneficiaries of the deal are the players who are set to directly benefit from the one-year deal but to be extended in the long run, by getting cash incentives for their performances. 

Ntoudi Mouyelo, Managing Director at Mchezo Africa which owns betPawa, revealed that this partnership will try to lift the performance of the players.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with FUFA in accelerating the growth of Ugandan football. This partnership is a significant investment in our local players and teams, and together, we can enhance the experience for fans and players alike. We are creating more opportunities for all those involved in Ugandan football,” noted Mouyelo.

He emphasized this on Wednesday in Kampala alongside FUFA boss Moses Magogo, Mark Odur, betting firm, Country manager, FUFA first vice president Justus Mugisha, National Council of Sports (NCS) Assistant General Secretary in Charge of Technical matters David Katende, Rogers Byamukama, FUFA EXCOM Member in charge of Marketing and Futsal Association Uganda (FAU) Chairman, Hamza Jjunju.

The partnership will also motivate players with locker room bonuses. For instance, every team that wins a game in FUFA Drum and Futsal league will have each of their players receive sh150,000.

“Under this partnership, we are introducing the locker room bonus which offers players fast and direct benefits. The players who make the squad list per match will get cash tokens sent to their phones after the game if their team wins. We are setting aside 25% of the value of this partnership towards this,” explained Mouyelo.

The three competitions will also benefit from the awards that will recognize MVP of the season, best goalkeeper, coach, player of the season, most assists, and young player of the season. For the Big League, there will be cash prizes for league winners and the other two clubs that earn a promotion to the country’s top-tier league at the end of each season.

FUFA boss Magogo revealed that the partnership will change Ugandan football.

“We welcome you into the family of our Ugandan football family. This partnership encompasses three pivotal football projects under FUFA's stewardship. I know it will change Ugandan football,” noted Magogo.