By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA –
ZAMBIA’S CAF Confederation Cup representatives, Zesco United yesterday signed a three-year kit sponsorship deal with Investrust Bank Plc, which will also benefit the club’s four developmental sides.
The figure for the renewable deal was, however, kept secret by both the bank and the club saying a statement will be issued later.
At a breakfast meeting held at Hotel Intercontinental in Lusaka where the partnership was signed, Zesco announced that apart from the team playing kit, Investrust would be written on the jerseys including the four developmental sides dotted across the country.
Investrust will also provide training kit, track suits and decorate the parameter fencing during Zesco’s home games among other benefits.
Zesco Limited managing director, Cyprian Chitundu expressed happiness at the signing of what he termed as a milestone agreement especially that it would bring in more money to the club to supplement the electricity utility firm.
In a speech read for him by Zesco’s director human resource, Morecome Mumba, Chitundu called on more corporate companies to join his club in sponsoring football in the country.
He said with Zesco also playing in continental football, the club would be taking the Investrust Bank footprint all across Africa.
“This is a momentous day where we  partner with another corporate institution in sponsoring football. To the players I can only urge you keep the good name of the both on and off the pitch. Its not just Zesco’s name you will be carrying but Investrust Bank’s as well.
“I would like to congratulate FIFA as well for introducing Club Licensing because it makes clubs run like a business. I am also happy that Zesco United is the first club in the country that is fully compliant to Club Licensing,” he said.
Investrust managing director, Friday Ndhlovu said the financial institution was pleased with the partnership as it was creating a win-win situation for both Zesco and the bank.
“As a bank, we are happy as it demonstrates our corporate social responsibility in developing sports in the country while at the same time getting mileage in terms of advertising from in various club kit and replicas. With Zesco set to play in continental football, our name going across Africa sets the foundation for future plans to open branches across the continent,” he said.
Zesco United chairperson, Kenneth Muteto said it was a great achievement for the club especially that it was bringing more revenue to the team as it guns for honours both on the local and international fronts.
“We never expected Investrust to respond so quickly to this sponsorship deal. We approached other banks and they did not even acknowledge receipt. But we are happy Investrust trusts us and understands our standing. We can only appeal to other corporate institutions to join us in this sponsorship,” he said.