By Admin,
THE Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) is hopeful the Mainland Premier League main sponsor, Vodacom Tanzania, will extend their sponsorship after their current contract expires at the end of this month.
The federation’s Information and Communication Officer, Baraka Kizuguto, told the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday they are expecting Vodacom will renew their contract, so they can continue bankrolling the top flight league next season.
“I’m not in a position to speak for Vodacom, but as TFF we are hopeful after they complete assessment of their sponsorship of the just-ended league they will reveal their decision,” he said.
However, TFF Secretary General Celestine Mwesiga, was recently quoted as saying that discussions with Vodacom on the matter are on and they expect that the telephone firm may extend its contract.
He added that as the federation is going to make some improvement of the league, which includes an increase of the number of teams from 14 to 16 to make the league more competitive, they seek for a more lucrative sponsorship.
However, the TFF chief disclosed that despite giving Vodacom first priority due to their status as main sponsor, there are other companies which have shown interest in funding the league as main or co-sponsors.
Mwesiga said the interested parties will be revealed later after discussions with the current main sponsor are over. The Mainland league, popularly known as the Vodacom Premier League (VPL), ended last weekend with Young African crowned champions after dethroning Azam FC, who settled in second position, while Simba finished third.
Polisi Morogoro and Ruvu Shooting were relegated to the First Division League (FDL) as Majimaji, African Sports, Mwadui and Toto Africans were promoted to next season’s top flight league.
