Sponsors pull out of Rockets Hockey Open

Rockets Open     
 
Suggested tittle: ROCKETS OPEN ON
 
11-12 February

The Rockets Open is set to happen at the weekend but with two sponsors pulling away from the two day meet! So, who was left holding the bag after Supersport and Crown Beverages decided to refrain from supporting the event?

SuperSport had promised a sh5m sponsorship deal ahead of the tournament but because of the changes in the dates, there was some bit of uncertainty about the event which forced the headstrong brand to withdraw from the tournament and so did Crown Beverages who were yet to spell out their official and conclusive sponsorship package.

The change in the dates happened because the hockey field was taken up by a religious fellowship that lasted for a week forcing the organizers to reschedule until 11-12 February as opposed to the initial dates of 28-29 January and because of this sudden change, Supersport and Crown beverages decided to dis associate themselves from the event.

"It was a blow to us and disappointing because NCS considered the Christian fellowship ahead of a hockey meet. They didn't get back to us when we forwarded our letter requesting for the field," said Michael Nashimolo, president of Rockets club.

However the NCS maintains that they never received their letter regarding hosting the event during that time.

"We don't receive any letters regarding the event during that time," said NCS assistant secretary general David Katende when asked to comment about the claim by the organisers.

Meanwhile the organisers may find the last surge of hope from Monash Liquids and Bar soap limited who are on the verge of confirming sponsorship. Additionally some individual initiatives are expected on Friday.

Wananchi are the defending champions in both the Men and Women categories having won the first edition last year.