The Kenya Premier League (KPL) Company has announced today that Sportpesa, Africa’s premier Sport betting platform, will be the new league title sponsors on a four and a half year deal, effective from 1st August 2015.

In the deal Sportpesa has acquired automatic naming rights for League, and starting this August, the League will be renamed to “The SportPesa Premier League” or simply, “the #SPL”.

The Sponsorship has also seen fusion of the Sportpesa and KPL brand Logos emblazoned on sleeve badges of all the playing kits of KPL affiliate teams.

KPL chairman, Mr. Ambrose Rachier said: “I would like to warmly welcome Sportpesa to the KPL family and also to thank them for their kind generosity in accepting to sponsor and partner with us on this marvelous endeavor, we will ensure the ongoing success of our vibrant League and help it maintain the level of influence that it has enjoyed in the region since its establishment several years ago.”

KPL CEO, Jack Oguda noted that: “Sportpesa’s entry into the league opens a new chapter of sports sponsorship in Kenya and the region. We are proud to have partnered with a brand that not only lives football, it is its lifeline.

In partnering with SportPesa, KPL considered the best practice around the world of football in so far as Sports betting sponsorship is concerned. Today, most of the Barclays Premier League clubs have betting companies as their partners, and until recently, some of the world’s biggest football clubs, Real Madrid and AC Milan, had BWIN as their official jersey sponsor.

The spirit of this new partnership is based on the well being of the talented young men of this country, who have the hunger to realize their football dream.

This sponsorship was put together with the passion of the fan whose happiness and fulfillment depends on the success of their team of choice on the field of play. It was intended for the families whose weekend afternoons cannot be complete without gracing our stadiums to witness the beautiful game.

As a value addition to this sponsorship, SportPesa will assist KPL establishing a central safety and security team that will provide security oversight for each and every KPL game, co-branded substitution boards for use at all KPL games and mobile score boards for use at all KPL games.

SportPesa CEO, Mr. Ronald Karauri said: “In line with our mission, SportPesa is committed to promoting sporting activities in Kenya and beyond, nurturing talent and a sporting culture as well as offering opportunities to Kenyan youth to profit from their passion for sports. It is in this regard that SportPesa has continued to sponsor several sports and now the SportPesa Premier League”.

Mr. Karauri added: “SportPesa is pleased to partner with Kenyan Premier League as the title sponsor, a partnership that demonstrates our brand’s commitment in investing in the immense football talents in this country. It is our continued effort that looks to developing truly home grown football superstars that will match the world’s best in the near future.”

@bonfaceosano