Simba Arati rallies stakeholders as Shabana unveil Bangbet deal
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has called on all leaders from the region to support Shabana ahead of the 2023/2024 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season.
He spoke during an event at a Nairobi hotel in which the club unveiled a Sh20 million sponsorship with gaming firm Bangbet.
Present at the event were among others, Shabana chairman Jared Nivaton who lauded the sponsorship deal as a big stride for Shabana who are making a return to top-flight football after 17 years in the cold.
“All Gusii leaders must rise up and help Shabana financially irrespective of their political affiliation. We are proud of this sponsorship which will go a long way in helping the club and the players as they play in the top league,” said Arati.
“We want our players not to have any problems next season and that is why there must be concerted efforts in helping the club,” added Arati.
The season-long sponsorship from Bangbet also includes giving the team branded jerseys, among other benefits.
Nivaton thanked Bangbet for coming to the aid of the club.
He vowed to mobilise resources to ensure the side which boasts a large fanbase, performs on the pitch to ensure the sponsors get their money’s worth.
He revealed the club plans to unveil its squad for the new season in the coming weekend, before traveling to Nairobi for a series of friendly matches.
Club Secretary Elizebeth Kerema named Johana Mwita and Rodgers Aloro, Prince Ayieko, Hillary Wandera and Mark Okolla as some of the new players the local giants have signed.
Bangbet CEO Leonardo Varese expressed his excitement with the deal, noting Shabana is one of the biggest club’s in the country alongside Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards and the betting firm is happy to partner with the team.
The sponsorship deal was unveiled on the day the club’s patron Sam Nyamweya, a veteran football administrator, rubbished the deal and suggested all stakeholders had not been engaged.
Shabana will kick off their FKF-PL return with a home game against newly promoted Murang’a Seal on August 27.
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