The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and telecommunication magnet MTN unveiled US$1.5 million United States dollars annual sponsorship package over three years. The deal rose from $1million USD annually by $500,000.00 in the previous contract of three years.
On paper the deal my look lucrative but in reality , the Zambia Super League (ZSL) has grown for the lat three years attracting wide attention of viewer ship from across Africa .The value of the league annually could even reach $5million United States Dollars if properly valued.
What is commendable about Andrew Kamanga and his leadership is that they have managed to increase the minimum benefits for each super league team. However a lot of questions need to be addressing on where the rest of the money would go .Is it in FAZ administration or MTN marketing department….??????
My layman calculations on how benefits from the raw deal shall be spread:
1. 20 super leagues each shall walk away with $20,000 Totalling : $400,000.00
2. Assuming 100% increment for Winners Prize $50,000.00 ,Runners $20,000,Third $ 10,000 and Fourth $9,000.00: $89,000.00
3. In Kind $300,000 (Player of the year, coach of the year, MTN man of the match on Supersport live matches, Trophy and its movement/ceremony, stadium advertiments and market products…..)
4. The approximate totals $360,000.00 + $89,000.00 + $300,000.= $749,000.00
From the $1.5 million annually about $751,000.00 need to be explained where it shall be channelled. This administration is very transparent surely shall avail us on how the other 50% the sponsorship would be channelled to Clubs ……
My layman analysis shows that the Football Association of Zambia need to do more and have the benefits of sponsorships spread equitably.
I don’t understand this math. How did we go from $400,000 to $360,000? Also, why is half the money left to FAZ to do as they please? The entire budget should be focused on the league. I also think more money needs to be invested towards the winners of the league. Why not $100,000 for the winners.
I think FAZ should also engage other stakeholders to get a similar package deal for the lower divisions. At the very least, the first division should have a sponsorship deal.