Sh900m: MTN hand Cranes mega-deal, promise much more
May 29, 2007
MTN are back into football in a big way. Telecommunication company MTN has offered the local soccer governing body FUFA sh900m for national team duty — the biggest sponsorship deal in Ugandan sports history.
By Norman Katende
MTN are back into football in a big way. Telecommunication company MTN has offered the local soccer governing body FUFA sh900m for national team duty — the biggest sponsorship deal in Ugandan sports history.
The three-year Cranes sponsorship package will also include a bonus offer of sh126m if Uganda qualifies for the Ghana 2008 African Nations Cup, and sh252m for reaching the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. MTN are sponsors of both international tournaments.
“We are very excited. It highlights our vision not only as a leader of communication but as well as a leader in investing in our communities and country. MTN Sponsorship of the Cranes reflects our passion for the growth and development of this important sport,†Eric Van Veen, Chief commercial manager of MTN stated at a press conference at Sheraton Hotel yesterday.
He was flanked by MTN’s head of marketing, Isaac Nsereko, local federation president Lawrence Mulindwa and federation legal officer Fred Muwema.
“It is a three-year marriage that we have entered and my assurance to you is that by the time the contract is over, you will be very glad to renew it,†FUFA boss Mulindwa remarked.
The sponsorship, on top of having an annual cash contribution will provide training, casual and travel kit and telecommunication solutions for FUFA.
Six years ago, MTN were the official sponsors of Cranes but pulled out after the past regime failed to honour their contractual obligations.
The other big sponsorship packages on the Ugandan scene are the 18-month sh500m deal for rugby by Guinness, NIC’s sh345m for Cranes, and the sh400m MTN injects in the Kampala marathon.
Meanwhile, FUFA is baffled by Nigeria’s failure to give any details about their travel. The team is in Nairobi but silent.
“They are playing tricks. We can not start finalising the accommodation plans without knowing the entourage coming and when,†said Mulindwa.
MTN are back into football in a big way. Telecommunication company MTN has offered the local soccer governing body FUFA sh900m for national team duty — the biggest sponsorship deal in Ugandan sports history.
The three-year Cranes sponsorship package will also include a bonus offer of sh126m if Uganda qualifies for the Ghana 2008 African Nations Cup, and sh252m for reaching the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. MTN are sponsors of both international tournaments.
“We are very excited. It highlights our vision not only as a leader of communication but as well as a leader in investing in our communities and country. MTN Sponsorship of the Cranes reflects our passion for the growth and development of this important sport,†Eric Van Veen, Chief commercial manager of MTN stated at a press conference at Sheraton Hotel yesterday.
He was flanked by MTN’s head of marketing, Isaac Nsereko, local federation president Lawrence Mulindwa and federation legal officer Fred Muwema.
“It is a three-year marriage that we have entered and my assurance to you is that by the time the contract is over, you will be very glad to renew it,†FUFA boss Mulindwa remarked.
The sponsorship, on top of having an annual cash contribution will provide training, casual and travel kit and telecommunication solutions for FUFA.
Six years ago, MTN were the official sponsors of Cranes but pulled out after the past regime failed to honour their contractual obligations.
The other big sponsorship packages on the Ugandan scene are the 18-month sh500m deal for rugby by Guinness, NIC’s sh345m for Cranes, and the sh400m MTN injects in the Kampala marathon.
Meanwhile, FUFA is baffled by Nigeria’s failure to give any details about their travel. The team is in Nairobi but silent.
“They are playing tricks. We can not start finalising the accommodation plans without knowing the entourage coming and when,†said Mulindwa.