Uganda Premier League Giants Express FC have received a financial boost from Online Betting Company Melbet Uganda.
The Red Eagles have on Friday morning unveiled Melbet as their new Sponsor as they prepare for the 2022/23 season.
The sponsorship package valuation was not revealed during the press conference held at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.
But our cut throat sources have revealed that the deal is worth 35300 US Dollars, approximately Sh136m.
“This is a good deal for us as a club, and the onus is on us to do better,” said Express CEO Isaac Mwesigwa.
“We have positioned ourselves in a good way to attract Sponsorship, and we believe that Melbet is one of many to come.
“They are just starting with testing waters but I can tell them that when you come at Express, you do not want to leave. We have the best fans and we will do our best to achieve sportingly because we have also assembled a good team to compete next season.”
Mwesigwa vowed that Express will ensure proper Corporate Governance to see that the sponsorship package is used in the right way.
Melbet will appear at the back of the Express Jersey, meaning there is still more room for other sponsors including the front of the shirt.
The breakdown of the package include Melbet buying Playing kits, fans replica jerseys (1700 pieces), Brand the Team Bus during away games and above all sponsor the club’s CECAFA trip as they seek to defend their Regional title.
Melbet Country Manager Andrew Kamwesigye, Sales Manager Nassuna Teopista and Head of Digital Nick Sakwa among others were present during the unveiling.
“We are good fans of Ugandan Football and today’s unveiling is a further commitment from us towards the development of Sports,” said Nassuna.
“Express is know as ‘Mukwano Gwa Bangi’ and we are among those friends. We were attracted by the rich history and success this club has achieved.”
It’s strong to note that Melbet was a sponsor of Kyetume FC.
There is Light, Finally:
The Red Eagles were financially constraint since the untimely departure of former sponsor Betway who closed business in Uganda in 2021.
The Betway deal was worth Sh420m a season, and that mainly included paying Players Salaries!
Once they exited, with them went joy at Wankulukuku as Players reportedly went months without pay.
The Club parted ways with title winning coach Wasswa Bbosa and they went on to finish a lowly sixth last season.
Since then, there has been migration of players including highest earner Murushid Juuko who has since joined Vipers SC while a couple have followed Bbosa at Gaddafi Modern FC.
Assembling a new squad that can compete favourably requires more finances, but the addition of Melbet is a step towards achieving their set targets.
It’s a strong stride taken by CEO Mwesigwa and everyone involved at the Club, and it’s a still a long way to go but it’s a bold step taken at least.
