Red Arrows land BolaBet shirt sponsorship deal after ABSA Cup triumph

Fresh from lifting the ABSA Cup, Zambia’s military-backed giants Red Arrows have secured a new commercial boost after unveiling BolaBet Zambia as the club’s official jersey sponsor for the 2026/27 season.

The one-year agreement, announced in Lusaka on Wednesday, represents one of the most significant sponsorship partnerships in Zambian domestic football ahead of the new MTN/FAZ Super League campaign.

In a joint statement released by both parties, Red Arrows and BolaBet described the partnership as “a shared vision built on passion, performance and community,” with the betting company taking up front-of-shirt branding rights for the coming season.

The deal comes at a time when Red Arrows are continuing to strengthen their position as one of Zambia’s leading football institutions following another successful campaign that culminated in ABSA Cup glory.

“As one of Zambia’s most historic and respected football clubs, Red Arrows Football Club represents discipline, excellence, resilience and national pride,” the statement read.

Founded by the Zambia Air Force, Red Arrows have long been associated with military discipline and professionalism, while also establishing themselves as consistent contenders in domestic and continental competition.

The club highlighted its achievements on the local and regional stage, including multiple Zambian Super League and ABSA Cup titles, CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup appearances, as well as their triumph at the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup.

For BolaBet, the partnership signals a deeper investment into Zambian football as competition for visibility and fan engagement intensifies among corporate brands operating in the sport.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, BolaBet Group Chief Marketing Specialist Maloly Lukhele said the company identified Red Arrows as a natural strategic partner because of the club’s stature and organisational structure.

“When we looked at potential partnerships, Red Arrows stood out immediately,” Lukhele said.

“Not only because of the club’s success on the pitch, but because of the professionalism, structure, legacy and passionate fanbase behind the badge.”

Lukhele added that the sponsorship extends beyond simple brand exposure.

“We wanted to partner with a club that represents excellence, consistency and ambition — values that align strongly with the BolaBet brand,” he said.

“For us, this partnership is about more than branding; it is about building something meaningful together.”

The betting company will occupy the most prominent commercial position on the club’s playing kit, a move Lukhele described as “a position of pride, visibility and identity.”

The Zambia Air Force, which remains the club’s principal backer, also welcomed the agreement, describing it as a progressive alliance anchored on “excellence, ambition, professionalism and sustained success.”

With Red Arrows expected to compete on multiple fronts next season, including continental football ambitions, the new sponsorship could provide an important commercial platform to strengthen the club’s competitiveness both on and off the pitch.

The partnership also reflects the growing commercialisation of Zambian football, where clubs are increasingly attracting private sector investment as the game seeks greater financial stability and regional influence.

Both parties expressed confidence that the collaboration would deliver long-term value for supporters and contribute positively to the wider development of football in Zambia.

“We look forward to a successful partnership and an exciting journey together with the players, management, supporters and the wider football community,” the joint statement concluded.