Betting company Melbet Zambia has signed a season-long sponsorship agreement worth $40,000 with Zambian Premier League (ZPL) National League side Atletico Lusaka.
The deal, which took effect on 1 July 2026 and runs until 31 May 2027, will see Melbet become the main shirt sponsor of Atletico, popularly known as the Bad Boys.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Atletico’s youth development programme, with the club placing a strong emphasis on identifying and developing young Zambian talent.
Atletico Lusaka CEO Mauro Saana said the club’s philosophy had remained unchanged since its establishment in 2020.
“Since Atletico was established in 2020, our target is youth development, and we are not going to change this,” he said.
“For us, we believe that to have a strong national team and a strong league, we need young players. Real young players, not madalas dressed as young players.
“It cannot be development without using young players.”
The CEO said the partnership would also allow Atletico to expand its scouting network across Zambia and identify talent from areas that may otherwise be overlooked.
“I want to mention that this partnership is very important because it will give us the possibility to go and scout even more around the country,” he said.
“Talent in Zambia is there, but talent is not enough anymore. Talent needs to be found, but it also needs to be trained. That is the main target for us with this partnership.”
Atletico have built a reputation for giving young players opportunities and helping them secure moves abroad, while the club’s participation in the ZPL National League provides a platform for developing emerging talent.
The club’s media and public relations officer, Mweni, said the agreement was about more than simply putting the Melbet brand on Atletico’s shirts.
“This deal with Melbet is much more than a sponsorship agreement. It is an opportunity to build something together for the long term,” she said.
“Atletico was created with a very clear philosophy: identify young talent, develop it, give it real opportunities and create a pathway from Zambia to professional football at the highest possible level.
“Developing talent requires much more than finding good footballers. It requires better coaching, better facilities, technology, medical support, education, exposure and, more importantly, a stable professional environment around the players.”
She added that Melbet’s support would help Atletico invest further in the club’s structures and player development.
“Our objective as Atletico is not simply to improve the team for one season, but to build a stronger and more sustainable football club year after year,” Mweni said.
“For us, this partnership is very important as both parties will grow together. Atletico develops the talent, Melbet supports the journey and together we are going to build value that can grow far beyond one season.”
Melbet: Atletico met our criteria
Melbet marketing manager Dora Tembo said Atletico Lusaka met the criteria the betting company was looking for in a football partner.
Melbet representative Nachali Simukonda said the company viewed sport as an important vehicle for bringing communities together and creating opportunities.
“For Melbet, sport is more than competition. It brings people together, creates opportunities and inspires communities,” Simukonda said.
“Through this partnership, we want to support the development of sport in Zambia and create exciting experiences for local fans.
“We are proud to begin this journey together with Atletico Lusaka as we share common goals, values and vision, not only on the football pitch, but also by serving our community and bringing change.”
Simukonda also reminded customers that betting should be treated as entertainment and encouraged responsible gambling.
“Betting should remain a form of entertainment for all adults aged 18 and above. Please play responsibly and within your limits,” he said.
ZPL welcomes new commercial partnership
ZPL chief executive officer Joseph Chimpampwe welcomed the agreement, describing the league as the commercial arm of football under the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
“Our motto is very simple: professionalise to commercialise,” Chimpampwe said.
“When we talk about professionalising, that’s where Atletico Lusaka come in. They are professionalising the operational side, and then commercialising brings in money into the game, which is what Melbet is doing.”
Chimpampwe also praised Atletico’s focus on youth development and highlighted the growing number of young Zambian players moving into European football.
He singled out Atletico product Joseph ‘Sabobo’ Banda as an example of the impact of the club’s approach to player development.
“The first time he was called to the national team just to go and have a feel, everyone was mesmerised. The question was, ‘Where did you get this boy? He’s so good,’” Chimpampwe said.
“He was developed in line with what Mauro said. It’s not just about talent. The talent has to be upskilled.”
Chimpampwe urged Atletico’s players to believe in themselves as they pursue opportunities at international level.
“I define experience in a certain way. Experience is not what you have. Experience is what you do with what you have,” he said.
“So even when you are called to the national team, of course you will find banter. Have belief in yourself, like what Sabobo had. Tomorrow you’ll be going into Europe, have that belief.”
Atletico technical director Miguel Martinez said the sponsorship would significantly improve the club’s capacity, including its national trials and scouting activities.
“It will be a huge help for us and our national trials. It’s a very good partnership. It will improve our capacity,” Martinez said.
Atletico captain Raymond Mwiinga, meanwhile, thanked the new sponsors for their support.
“Your support means a lot to us. It shows your faith in our team and what we want to achieve. We promise to represent you with pride and professionalism,” Mwiinga said.
The partnership gives Atletico additional resources as they continue their focus on youth development, while Melbet becomes the latest commercial partner to invest in Zambia’s football landscape.
