The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda in Victoria Falls
BREWING giant Delta Beverages, the traditional sponsors of the domestic top-flight football, have come under increasing pressure to adjust their sponsorship package for the Premier Soccer League amid revelations that contract renewal talks between the two parties are at an advanced stage.
The current deal, which was signed in March 2017 and is worth a combined total $3 450 000, will expire at the end of this year.
Delta Beverages currently bankroll the league to the tune of $700 00 per season, the Chibuku Super Cup is worth $450 000 each calendar while there is also the Castle Challenge Cup, which is played between the Premiership champions and the Super Cup winners.
However, there has been an outcry over the value of the current sponsorship deal from which the league winners pocket $100 000, which has virtually been eroded by hyperinflation.
Just about all the 18 PSL teams have indicated that they are finding the going tough under the harsh operating environment, with newboys Mushowani having been the first club to raise the flag.
It has emerged that such clubs like Black Rhinos, Chapungu, CAPS United and Dynamos have also been battling to survive despite also being subsidised by packages from NetOne and Gold Leaf Tobacco.
In fact, the current harsh economic situation prevailing in the country has forced most clubs into the financial red zone as they are spending much more than they get at the end of the season.
This week a jibe emanating from the CAPS United fans urging Hwange to forfeit their league fixture against them and be fined $2 500 rather than spend $16 000 on travel and camping costs went viral on the social media platform.
But a ray of hope has emanated from Delta Beverages, with the company giving the strongest possible hint that a review could be in the offing.
Speaking at the PSL international football symposium which got underway in Victoria Falls Friday morning, Delta Beverages channel marketing executive Irimayi Muzorewa, confirmed talks between his organisation and the topflight body were at an advanced stage.
“As Delta we are very happy with our partnership with the PSL. We are at present finalising the renewal of our sponsorship with PSL. We believe that this is going to be an important step for us as Delta, towards the development of sport in the country,” said Muzorewa.
The symposium will tackle a host of issues which include driving fan engagement through digital technology, club licensing benefits and the future of football as well as managing safety and security at match venues.
