Betika extend deal to sponsor KPL side Sofapaka by two years

Leading betting firm Betika has extended its sponsorship of Sofapaka FC by a further two years.

The deal, worth Ksh 77 million, is a massive upgrade from the initial Ksh 15 million given in the 2017/18 season, and the Ksh 35 million in 2019.

Batoto ba Mungu president Elly Kalekwa has welcomed the deal, stating it will go a long way in motivating his charges.

"We are glad to see the partnership with Betika growing from strength to strength," Kalekwa told reporters during the signing of the contract on Wednesday. 

"The firm has come again to our rescue at a time when we as a club are facing difficult times with the [Covid-19] pandemic.  

"Our players were feeling demotivated from the league but through Betika’s input, our performance on the pitch will improve and we hope to do more.

"Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, our target has always been to fight for the title and this financial help that has been extended to us will go a long way in motivating the players and giving them the support they need to do better."

Betika's head of business John Mbatiah assured all that the firm will continue investing in Kenyan football to ensure it develops.

"Investing in Sofapaka is one of the nationwide activities that we have focused on," Mbatiah said during the unveiling. 

"Apart from Sofapaka, we commit to continue investing in the National Super League, through a partnership with FKF and grass-root football through the ‘Betika Na Community’ initiative." 

The firm has already contributed Ksh 50 million in cash and much more in the form of training gear and equipment.

However, more teams are also benefiting across the country.

"Betika remains committed to the growth of football in Kenya and to date, we have kitted over 3,000 football teams across the country and we commit to doing more as the country continues to open up after the pandemic," Mbatiah continued.

"Our plan is to continue holding Sofapaka’s hand as they identify and nurture football talents and acquire peak performance from all the players, consequently achieving the best possible results."