NAIROBI, Kenya, February 22- Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) finally consummated their lucrative Sh110m ($1.34m) deal with national football team Harambee Stars on Tuesday night.
Speaking at the ceremony, chief guest Prime Minister Raila Odinga said during the launch of the three year deal, “The sponsorship will go a long way in ensuring smooth preparations for the 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World Cup.
“The national team is a respected national institution and part of our national heritage that brings people together.”
The Premier added it was time to dispel negative perceptions surrounding the team and give it a chance to excel.
“Nothing would make the Government happier than to reward or award Harambee Stars player just as we do to our athletes to celebrate their excellence. For many years, we have focused so much on negative reports on the team and we should forget that and move forward.”
The agreement that will be pushed through KBL brand Tusker is dubbed Destination 2014 Campaign and constitutes an ambitious plan geared towards supporting the Harambee Stars qualification to the Brazil Mundial.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman, Sam Nyamweya who received the cheque on behalf of the team said the deal would mark a fresh start for the team ranked 122nd in the latest Fifa rankings aspirations to become a force in world football.
“We have talented players and a good coach and I want to assure Kenyans that we will qualify for the Nations Cup and World Cup.
“I want to also assure the sponsors that we shall ensure their money is all spent on improving the team and making it realise its mission.”
Announcing the plan, KBL Managing Director, Baker Magunda stressed the mission was achievable.
“Harambee Stars have the skills, the leadership and passion to succeed, this vision for Destination 2014 is realistic,” Magunda said.
He added, “This sponsorship deal has been an open secret for many months now and I must thank the Harambee Stars Management Board and the FKF for making it possible.”
HSMB chairman, Dr. Evans Kidero noted, “Success for Harambee Stars will not come easily, it will require the effort of sponsors, the fans and the team. KBL has demonstrated their commitment to Kenya’s most popular team and we trust that their performance on the pitch will reflect this.”