Ntuthuko Maphumulo soccer
The beautiful game has become a multimillion-rand business with many clubs in search of sponsorship and partnerships. Yet just two Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs seem to get the backers.
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates a season ago got a sponsorship of R60-million each from cellular network Vodacom. This week Pirates signed another lucrative partnership deal with Standard Bank. The deal will give Pirates R25-million in the next five years.
The partnership will see Pirates’ supporters, players and administrators get the full range of banking products and services, including co-branded Maestro debit and Mastercard credit cards. The bank will also introduce funeral schemes and unit trust offerings to Pirates supporters and the team.
Pirates chair Irvin Khoza said: “This partnership is a first, and will change the future of South African soccer as far as funding is concerned. Our supporters have been behind Bucs since [the club’s] inception in 1937. They have made it what it is today. This partnership is one way in which we can plough back into and reward the communities for their support and ongoing loyalty,” said Khoza.
While Pirates enjoy their booty, other clubs do not fare as well. PSL representative Andrew Dipela, said: “There are currently nine teams within the PSL without a sponsor; these teams survive on a monthly grant of R250 000 from the PSL, ticket sales and depending on how far they go in cup competitions.”
Khoza said PSL teams should understand that soccer is a business and to get sponsors you must be offering them their market target.
Dipela said: “Sponsorship is not a charity and the PSL has offered to help clubs in their presentations to companies when wanting a sponsorship.”
A team like Ria Stars who just entered the league have shown that you can get a sponsor if you are committed and willing to market the club.