SBL bankrolls Challenge Cup

Serengeti Breweries have parted with hefty 675m/- to boost the coffers of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) ahead of the 2010 Challenge Cup championship next month in Dar es Salaam.

The bankrolling event was held at the central located New Africa Hotel in Dar es Salaam yesterday before the brewers’ and CECAFA top officials.

SBL’s general manager for public relations, media and corporate communications Teddy Mapunda presented the cheque to CECAFA secretary general Nicholas Musonye at a brief function yesterday.

The presentation was also attended by the Tanzania Football Federation’s president Leodegar Tenga, who also dons the CCECAFA presidential tag as well.

The total sponsorship deal will support CECAFA on air tickets for all delegates, officials and referees, accommodation, internal transport, logistics, prize money, fees, security, hire of stadium and training grounds, media accreditation and other administrative requirements.

The tournament, which is named after the supporting beer brand, 2010 Tusker Challenge Cup, is expected to kick off from November 27 through December in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Mapunda said the financial support is in line with SBL’s stated objective towards developing national level football as well as Eastern and Central Africa platform in spotting and developing talent within the region.

“This sponsorship deal represents SBL’s social commitment to be a responsible company in the country and to its neighbouring countries,” said Mapunda.

“We are brewing Tusker in Tanzania and this brand is also available across Eastern Africa, we are very proud to be the main sponsor of this CECAFA Tusker Challenge Cup. We are also proud for the honour which CECAFA and TFF have given us,” she added.

All eleven CECAFA affiliated member states are expected to compete in the four-decade long championship.

Besides the host nation, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Zanzibar, Eritrea and Somalia are also expected to send teams for the event.

For the first time CECAFA has extended invitation to Cote d’Ivoire as a guest national team.

Following the sponsorship agreement, SBL will be the main sponsors with all commercial and branding rights throughout the tournament’s duration.

CECAFA secretary general Musonye expressed his sincere appreciation for the brewers whose efforts have rescued the regional event.

Musonye ushered praise for the SBL, noting their timely contribution and soccer promotional efforts.

SLB has also signed a five-year deal with the Tanzania Football Federation to support the national soccer team, Taifa Stars.

Uganda are holders of the Challenge Cup title for second year running with record eleven titles since its inauguration in 1973.

Kenya hosted the tournament last year in Nairobi and Kakamega.

Challenge Cup returns to Dar es Salaam for yet another time since 2007.