Betika renews Sofapaka sponsorship worth Sh77 million

Betika Head of Business John Mbatiah (left) and Sofapaka FC President Elly Kalekwa announcing sponsorship renewal in Nairobi yesterday. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenyan Premier League football club, Sofapaka, popularly known as ‘Batoto Ba Mungu’ can breathe a sigh of relief after the leading sports betting firm Betika renewed their sponsorship contract in a two-year deal worth Sh77 million.

This is an increase from the 15m initial sponsorship given by the firm in 2017/2018 and the 35m given in 2019. The deal will be a shot in the arm for the club, who like many others in the league have suffered from financial constraints in recent seasons.

Sofapaka President, Elly Kalekwa, was delighted with the news saying, “We are glad to see the partnership with Betika growing from strength to strength. The firm has come again to our rescue at a time when we, as a club, are facing difficult times with the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our players were feeling demotivated from the league but through Betika’s input, our performance on the pitch will improve and we hope to do more.

Betika Head of Business John Mbatiah (left) and Sofapaka FC President Elly Kalekwa after signing the renewed sponsorship. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, our target has always been to fight for the title and this financial help that has been extended to us will go a long way in motivating the players and giving them the support they need to do better.”

Betika’s Head of Business, John Mbatiah expressed satisfaction with the club’s progress. He said: “Investing in Sofapaka is one of the nationwide activities that we have focused on. Apart from Sofapaka, we commit to continue investing in the National Super League (Betika National Super League) through a partnership with FKF and also on grass-root football through the ‘Betika Na Community’ initiative.”

Mbatiah added: “Betika remains committed to the growth of football in Kenya and to date we have kitted over 3,000 football teams across the country and we commit to do more as the country continues to open up after the pandemic. We will also continue investing in Sports, Arts and Culture through the Betika Na Community Initiative. Our plan is to continue holding Sofapaka’s hand as they identify and nurture football talents and acquire peak performance from all the players, consequently achieving the best possible results.” 

AFC Leopards players celebrate their victory 2-1 goals against Sofapaka FC during Round 21 of KPL match at Mumias Sports Complex on Sunday, Feb 22, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]