Cranes to tour Ghana, Nigeria

By Peter Ekarot VILLA-Express-KCC (VEK) members dodged yesterday's SDCA meeting at Nakivubo stadium aimed at getting a common stand over the Nile Special Super League (NSSL) sponsorship deal. The Super Division Clubs Association (SDCA) thereafter resolved that the NSSL sponsored by Nile Breweries (NBL), MTN, Sportsman, Coca-Cola and Shell continues, but asked for improvement of the package. SDCA wants also a prior breakdown of this year's sh240m sponsorship. "SDCA resolved that we continue with the NSSL, but ask for improvement of the package. "VEK has undermined us and failed to come and put up their case," said SDCA boss Ali Mubarak. Mubarak said sh75m is spent on the teams, where does sh165m go. The sh5m for match officials was questioned since 10% is deducted from tickets. VEK's Tom Lwanga said the three clubs sought extra-sponsorship to improve the quality of the local game and make NSSL more competitive and popular. Lwanga said VEK crusade resulted from declining players' welfare and clubs maintenance costs. "We are not against the sponsorship of NBL. They have done a good job, but clubs need extra money for their needs and we have got willing partners," Lwanga said. "The money we get from NBL can cater for running a club for about a month." He explained that in England, beer-makers Carling sponsor the premiership as individual clubs get extra money from other sponsors like Liverpool with beer firm - Carlsberg. Ends.