By SANDRA MWILA –
ZAMBIAN league champions Zesco United have clinched a two-year shirt sponsorship deal worth K1.7 million with Atlas Mara Zambia.
The deal comes with an additional K50,000 for annual awards for deserving players and undisclosed amount for monthly awards and social responsibility activities.
It was disclosed during the launch held at Hotel Intercontinental that Zesco will receive K800,000 for the 2018 season and K900,000 for next season to sum up the K1.7million.
Atlas Mara managing director James Koni said the bank is excited to partner with Zesco, who have been their official banking partner for 10 years and have seen them grow from a determined Division One club to a power house in Zambian football.
“Atlas Mara Zambia is now three months old as a brand in Zambia and we are excited to partner with a giant in Zambian football which holds the aspiration of millions of Zambians as the flag bearer of Zambian football in the CAF Champions League,” Koni said.
Koni showered Zesco praise saying the club managed to win five league titles and 11 other titles in other competitions because of the professionalism in the manner the club is managed.
“When Zesco approached us to partner with them on a journey to win the CAF championship League and represent the country at the FIFA Club World Championship, we were convinced it was a goal that was attainable and something that would make the country proud,” Koni said.
Zesco chairperson Webster Musonda said the sponsorship deal was a demonstration that the club was able to generate income.
Musonda said the deal will not only be limited to jerseys but replicas as well and all their developmental teams.
“It is a chance to generate extra revenue; we will also be marketing agents for Atlas Mara as their brand will be engraved on Zesco jersey. We have set our targets for the 2018 season, not only do we want to defend the league title but do much better in the CAF Championship,” Musonda said.
Zesco acting managing director Fidelis Mubiana expressed happiness that the club was generating its own funds and also represented the company well in the various competitions.
“Continue working hard, defend the title, reclaim the Barclays, Charity Shield and challenge for the Champions League,” Mubuyana said.
Acting Sports Minister Kapambwe Mulenga said it was her hope that Zesco would continue to build on their achievements recorded so far.
Mulenga, who is also chief government spokesperson and Information and Broadcasting Minister, said Zesco should represent the country well in the Champions League and hopefully reach greater heights of qualifying to the FIFA Inter Club World championship.
“I would like to formally welcome Atlas Mara to the sports arena and commend you for having found a formidable partner in Zesco United to achieve our goal of seeing Zambian football attain success within and beyond,” Mulenga said.