By Frederick Naduli,

Giant betting company SportPesa’s recent partnership with the Kenyan Premier League company could not have come at a better time.

That previous title sponsors Tusker were not going to renew their deal with the League body, a yawning vacuum was developing, causing both ripples and anxiety across the football spectrum.

SportPesa has happened on the scene to calm such nerves.

LONG DEAL

The deal, that is set to run for a healthy four and a half years, will see the betting company assume the coveted mandate of title sponsor, that took effect on August 1st.

While Tusker ably played their part while at it, SportPesa are widely expected to take it a notch higher and build Kenyan club football.

The trickle down effects must be massively felt. Coming at such a time when the league is growing in leaps and bounds, stakeholders opine this is a great initiative for the country.

SportPesa has clearly demonstrated its devotion and relentless commitment to the game through avenues like the Super 8 Tournament, that seeks to spot and reward talent at grassroots level.

By hopping onto the big stage, lovers of the sport cant help seeing a revival in fortunes of clubs playing in the top tier.

It is an open secret that Kenya’s famous old clubs have time and again wilted under the strain of financial difficulties, and while this new venture is not expected to propel them to the comfort zone, it should give them a cushion against the backdrop of balancing their ever tattered cash books.

GO EXTRA MILE

As details of the lucrative deal continue to filter through, grapevine is also rife that the company may sponsor the Musa Otieno testimonial match set to be played in December. BGO EXTRA MILE

As details of the lucrative deal continue to filter through, grapevine is also rife that the company may sponsor the Musa Otieno testimonial match set to be played in December. By honouring those who have hoisted the country’s flag high, SportPesa may trully be a demonstration of prophets being honoured in their own countries.

By honouring those who have hoisted the country’s flag high, SportPesa may trully be a demonstration of prophets being honoured in their own countries.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com