AFC Leopards to unveil official merchandise shop in Nairobi CBD

The official AFC Leopards merchandise shop set to be unveiled in Nairobi CBD [COURTESY]

Kenya Premier League side AFC Leopards will become the second-ever Kenyan team to have an official merchandise shop.

Wazito, new to the premier League have been the only top tier club to boast an official merchandise shop.

Ingwe Chairman Dan Shikanda told Goal the club has almost finalised most of the things regarding the shop and should be up and running by the end of June. He also revealed the location of the merchandise shop as well as what fans will get access to.

"It [the merchandise shop] will be located at the Nairobi CBD where it will be easier for fans to locate. We will have club replica jerseys, caps, t-shirts, bands, watches - everything with Ingwe brand,” Shikanda told Goal.

Through the purchase of the club’s merchandise, Shikanda believes fans will directly contribute to the growth and development of the club.

The shop will also sell match-day tickets.

Step in the right direction @AFCLeopards ????#Ingwe #JazaStadi pic.twitter.com/MJ0upAxQXm — Jaza Stadi (@jaza_stadi) June 22, 2020

Perennial Kenyan champions Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards landed new partnership deals with BET HIGH Kenya Limited, under brand name Betsafe, last week.

Bet High Kenya Ltd which will be trading in the brand name BETSAFE is the new official head sponsor of AFC Leopards SC. The new agreement is part of Betsafe’s entry into the Kenyan market and the club is very pleased with this new partnership and its new friends who have chosen to support AFC Leopards SC for the next three years [COURTESY]

Betsafe, who are yet to set their feet in the Kenyan market has signed a three-year deal sponsor deal with the KPL champions. 

From the sponsorship deal, Gor will receive Sh55 million per season while old lady rival Leopards will receive Sh40 million.

Betsafe Public Relations & Partner manager Tom Bwana believes that this new partnership with KPL giants will provide a good platform to engage fans.

“We will be launching in the Kenyan market very soon and our top priority is to support Kenyan football. Being a responsible gaming provider since the very beginning we aim to bring more engagement and excitement together with Gor Mahia and Leopards SC in the near future.”

In a statement, Gor Mahia chairperson Ambrose Rachier expressed his delight about the partnership and welcomed the new sponsors. 

“We are very happy to announce this deal with Betsafe. A very welcomed message to all our fans that we have secured long term financial support from a strong and safe partner.”

This new partnership with Betsafe means substantial financial support for both clubs especially during these uncertain times when many football leagues around the world have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“With Betsafe, we get an engaged and reliable partner with a focus on responsible gaming. But also, a partner who shares our passion and values about football and the excitement that comes with it,” said Rachier.  

The partnership with Betsafe means that the betting firm will be the clubs official head sponsor, as well as shirt sponsor and its is the second time KPL rivaling clubs will be jointly sponsored by a gaming firm after the exit of SportPesa.

“We are very proud to announce this new major deal with the Betsafe brand, especially to our fans. For us, this sponsorship means everything, as it gives us a sense of security and work peace to be able to focus even more on becoming the best team in the country. With Betsafe, we have a reliable partner with a strong focus on responsible gaming and passion for football”, said Dr. Dan Shikanda, Chairman AFC Leopards SC.

The new partnership deal for the two clubs comes a relief with both clubs having endured a lot of financial crisis in the 2019/2020 season.