As sponsors seek to increase league thrill

NATIONAL football league sponsors, Primus are planning something new and exciting in an effort to make a lasting mark on local club football.

In a bid to increase the excitement of the national league sponsors, Bralirwa, through their Primus brand, are looking at the idea of selling beer inside stadiums.

But the big news is that they are also planning a ‘Primus National League open day’ before the new season kick-off during which all the 12 first division clubs will not only be represented but tasked to present their plan of action for the entire season, something that has never been done before.

According to both parties (Ferwafa and Bralirwa), the idea of ‘open day’ is one of several amendments that has been made in the sponsorship contract. The others (adjustments) are still under consideration by the sponsors.
For starters, Bralirwa, through their Primus brand signed a three-year contract to sponsor the national league in March this year. In the first (half) season, which stretched to include the pre-season for the 2010/11 season, they offered Rwf85 millions.

Rwf 120 million has been allocated for this season (2010/11), Rwf 10m more than the original allocation and it will be released in three installments of Rwf55m, Rwf20m and Rwf45m respectively.

‘Give and take’ spirit

According to a reliable source, which is party to the negotiation but is not allowed to speak about it officially in the media, the Rwf10m increment is in the "spirit of give and take”.

"According to the terms of the 3-year (sponsorship) deal, Ferwafa is seeking Rwf120m payable in at least 3 installments with the first being Rwf55m ahead of the start of the season, Rwf20m payable mid season and the last (installment) of Rwf45m payable just before the end of the season.

"Out of the entire package, Rwf45m goes to participating teams as a direct grant while a further Rwf30m will be allocated as league prize money and organizing of Primus Cup,” noted the source.

Bralirwa is happy with the partnership

Speaking to Times Sport over the weekend, Bralirwa’s Commercial Director, Alexander Koch said, "Yes, there are a few changes but nothing has been confirmed (yet). Nonetheless, we (Bralirwa) are happy with the proposals.”

Asked about the get-together party and selling of beer in stadiums, he said, "We’re looking at increasing the excitement for the fans because we’re doing it for them.”
"We are putting in (the league) this kind of money as one  way of developing Rwandan football, and much as we’re also fulfilling our cooperate responsibility, we’re a commercial company that looks at how we get something back in return.

"We’re negotiating with the relevant authorities so that we sell beer inside stadiums,” Koch revealed.
Is Bralirwa happy with the partnership? Koch wondered, "Of course we’re. But it’s still a young partnership, nonetheless, we’re happy with how things are going, particularly the will from Ferwafa.”

It’ll be after the disbursement of the first installment that teams will be expected to showcase their plans for the first ever national league ‘open day’ scheduled for October 15 at Bralirwa premises.

Ends