VEK back in the hunt

By James Bakamaand Fred KatereggaVEK, the body formed to boost relations between giants SC Villa, Express and KCC, has revived its search for a sponsor.VEK secretary Ben Waira said services of a marketing firm would be sought towards this cause. Officials from the three clubs recently met under the chairmanship of Express secretary Kavuma Kabenge to plan for the new season.The trio sees the move as timely especially after super league financiers Nile Breweries withdrawing direct sponsorship to clubs.The move follows a similar attempt that failed to succeed last season. That time VEK was targeting Uganda Breweries Limited.The proposed sh300m deal seemed set to succeed but collapsed for no clear reason.UBL sources say it was undermined by hooliganism that climaxed in a clash between SC.Villa and Express fans.The VEK meeting also suggested that host teams take all gate collections from league matches, a move they feel will boost attendances.The alliance also set sh5000 as the minimum entry fee for matches involving the trio.VEK were scheduled to meet again last evening.The three clubs want to raise a proposal to government that clubs representing the country in any continental competition be exempted from tax obligations.It is the VEK members that will be playing on the continent this year.SC Villa will play in the CAF champions league, Express in the Cup Winners Cup and KCC will take part in the CAF Cup.The giants also suggested that players change clubs at any time of the season and not just in the close-season.This, they claim, will put an end to the hostility that governs the transfer exercise. Meanwhile the VEK tournament kicks-off on January 15.-------------By Daniel SaireWITH controversy still surrounding the sponsorship of the Nile Special Super League, FUFA has arranged a meeting with the sponsors.Nile Breweries Chief Executive director, Henry Rudd recently said that his company was cutting off direct funding to clubs.Clubs in turn threatened not to wear uniforms given with Nile Special logos.FUFA secretary Haruna Mawanda yesterday said the meeting would take place at Nakulabye on Friday.“We want to review last year’s league and come out with a way forward and top on the agenda is the sponsorship money given to clubs,” he said. But Nile Breweries official David Nsiyona ruled out that date saying Rudd would not be in position to attend it.“That date is unlikely, as Rudd has just returned from South Africa and there are a lots of things to handle at the factory,” he said.Nsiyona defended the new move that strips the 15 teams of sh7m that has always been used on transport and purchase of boots.He advised teams to stop looking at Nile Breweries alone but to get other companies to help them out. The sponsors want the sh105m that goes to clubs to be used for advertising which they hope would increase on match attendances.