By Kevin Mapasure
THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) got a shot in the arm after its long-term partner Delta Beverages extended its sponsorship of the league for another three years.
The beverage producing giant yesterday unveiled a US$ 1,2 million sponsorship package for the 2021-22 season which covers three competitions, the Castle Lager Premier League, the Chibuku Super Cup and the Castle Challenge Cup.
Delta Beverages has taken over the sponsorship of what had initially meant to be a pre-season cluster tournament, instead throwing in a sweetener to make it the Chibuku Super Cup tournament.
The company will inject US$375 000 into the tournament while the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, starting in July, will get a bigger chunk — US$700 000.
US$55 000 will be set aside for the Castle Challenge Cup.
There had been doubts over the company coming on board following the expiry of their last deal at the end of 2019 over a number of issues among them crowd trouble and the handling of match-fixing issues involving Herentals.
But yesterday, the company announced that it will fund the topflight league and cup competition for another three-year period bringing relief and joy to the footballl fraternity.
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In a statement, the company said it was looking forward to an exciting topflight season as football makes a return following a year’s absence due to COVID-19-induced lockdowns last year.
“Delta Beverages is excited to announce the Zimbabwe Premier League sponsorship package of brands Castle Lager and Chibuku Super for the 2021-22 period. 2021 will be an exciting season for all, with various activities lined up to restart our game in Zimbabwe despite the COVID-19 challenges,” reads the statement.
“Our objective this year is: To capture all football fans enticing them to watch live games through phenominal activities, support of their teams and sharing of the perfect moment in the comfort of their homes and to build a strong acceptibility of the Castle Lager and Chibuku Super bands on the market. We will inspire and encourage the football fans to watch and support their favourite local teams in their thousands on local television chanels and online. The total sponaorship package will be US$1 130 000.”
PSL chairman Farai Jere expressed gratitude to Delta for re-committing to support the local game, adding that the 2021-22 season would be special.
“What I can promise is that 2021 will be a different year, it will be exciting, we have a very good product. With the way teams have been going about their business on the transfer market, it should be an exciting season. Just wait until the game resumes next week,” Jere said.
He paid tribute to their partners for throwing a lifeline to local football, given the challenges companies are going through as a result of COVID-19.
“Delta Beverages has not only delivered high entertainment football to our fans but has helped to positively transform local football through various cup competitions.
The Chibuku Super Cup has enjoyed immense success and has grown to be the biggest cup competition in the country. We are delighted to renew our partnership. We have the confidence to deliver exhilarating action to our fans who had endured a whole year without watching local football due to COVID-19.” The first group of the Chibuku Super Cup includes Dynamos, Caps United, Harare City, Herentals, Yadah and ZPC Kariba and will take place in Harare.
The second group will feature Bulawayo Chiefs, Bulawayo City, Chicken Inn and Highlanders.
The Manica Diamonds and Tenax, Black Rhinos and Cranborne Bullets group will be based in Mutare while group four comprising FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum Stars, Triangle United and WhaWha will be in Zvishavane.
The top two teams from each pool will progress to the quarter finals.
- Quarter-final 1 – winner group 1 vs runner up group 3
- Quarter-final 2 – winner group 3 vs runner up group 1
- Quarter-final 3 – winner group 2 vs runner up group 4
- Quarter-final 4 – winner group 4 vs runner up group 2
The winners from the four quarter-final matches will be paired for the semi-finals by drawing of lots and the winners from the semi-finals shall play the final.
- Follow Kelvin on Twitter @kmapasure
