National Super League, NSL, side Mwatate United from Taita-Taveta County has received sponsorship boost after inking a Ksh. 3Million shillings deal with a local sisal-processing firm, Teita Sisal Estate.
Speaking at the event, Teita Estate Farm Administrator Anthony Nelson said the sponsorship was part of the company’s commitment to promote sport and ensure diverse talents were developed in the region.
He added that already, the company was supporting over 15 other local football clubs.
Mr. Nelson urged Mwatate United FC officials to prudently use the sponsorship money to promote the welfare of the club and players stating that the firm has in the past year halted its support towards local clubs due to lack of financial prudence from club administrators.
“We have assured the club that we are willing to support them and we have just started with three million shillings. We are committed to promoting talent and sporting skills amongst the young people,” he said.
Mwatate United is one of the 19 teams in the National Super League and the only team from Taita-Taveta County.
Currently, the team is ranked position 13 out of 19 with 23 points.
Mwatate United Coach Mark Asa said that the sponsorship will a go a long way in assisting the team attain desirable results in the league as they eye top flight promotion next season.
“We have conceded goals that we should not have allowed. We are now confident we are going to recover and gain more points,” he said.
The team captain Robinson Joshua said the sponsorship deal with Teita Sisal Estate was a timely intervention that will boost the players’ morale and confidence.
He said that absence of sponsorship in the past made the team struggle to meet operational expenses and this affected the players’ focus.
“We are thankful we have this boost. The players will not focus wholly on training and playing,” he said.
Gamariel Mwarabu, a club official promised that the funding will be properly utilised calling on other sponsors to come on board.
“We are still calling out for sponsors to come onboard and partner with us to nurture and grow talent. The cost of running a club is high and we welcome other well-wishers to support these young players,” he said.
