English Premier League outfit Southampton FC have confirmed Kenyan based sports betting company Sportpesa as their official betting partner in a muilti-million pound three-year deal.
The announcement comes days after the same company was unveiled as the shirt sponsors of another EPL side Hull City for a similar period.
Much like the “Tigers'” deal, Saint’s will see them support the development of young football players in Kenya by sending Football Development and Support staff to the East African nation, with young Kenyan players visiting the club’s Staplewood Campus to experience the demands of football development at a Premier League club.
“We are delighted to have teamed up with SportPesa in what is by far our biggest partnership in this sector in the club’s history, and one of our largest partnership deals to date.”
Gareth Rogers, Southampton FC’s Chief Executive Officer, was quoted by the club’s official portal.
“This partnership will allow the club to continue to build its partner portfolio for commercial success on an international scale. Our reputation for player development continues to resonate around the world and we look forward to sharing our unique philosophy in Kenya and across Africa.” He added.
Ronald Karauri, SportPesa CEO, had this to say;
“We are grounded to our core values that centre around grassroots sport and community development. Our vision is for Kenya to participate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and this partnership is a step in that direction.
“We look forward to welcoming Saints Football Development and Support staff to Kenya as well as the opportunity to send our young players to the club’s Staplewood Campus to learn the demands of football development.”
Sportpesa is also the Arsenal’s Kenya official betting partner; and in another similar arrangement, the EPL bigwigs have in June, sent technical staff to conduct coaching clinics and development programmes at grassroots levels in Nairobi.
Formed two years ago, Sportpesa is by far the most visible brand in Kenyan sports; the company is the main sponsor of the country’s top league as well as Kenya’s most decorated clubs, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
They have also ventured into Rugby sponsorship and are currently the principal sponsors of Kenya Rugby Sevens team.
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