Coca Cola considers funding U-17 league

WHETHER it’s a signs that they’re satisfied with how things are progressing with the national senior league or just sheer desire to be partners in the development Rwandan football, is yet to be determined. But Bralirwa through their Coca Cola brand are considering sponsoring the U-17 soccer league. The country’s leading Brewery Company through their Primus beer brand are the sponsors of the national senior football league. They signed a 3-year sponsorship deal in March this year worth Rfw335 millions. When and not if, Coca Cola and the local football federation, Ferwafa put pen to paper on the deal, they will be joining hands with Electrogaz and the sports ministry, who are the main sponsors of the U-17 league. Electrogaz and Ferwafa have already signed a one-year contract worth a reported Frw20 millions. The Coca Cola deal is in the pipeline, and although officials are refusing to reveal the amount of money involved, insisting negotiation are still ongoing, Times Sports has, however, learnt from reliable sources that over Frw160 millions is being talked about. In an exclusive interview with this paper on Saturday, Bralirwa’s Commercial Director, Alexander Koch confirmed that negotiations are ongoing but nothing has been agreed. “It’s true that we’re thinking about it I can’t give much away at the moment,” Koch said. “It’s something we are considering and I hope to finalize the deal in the coming week (this week). It’s not part of the Primus League deal, this is a totally different project,” Koch explained. Asked about the amount of money Coca Cola intends to put on the table, Koch preferred to keep his cards close to the chest, “Nothing in that regard has been confirmed yet.” Ferwafa’s Chief Executive Officer, Jules Kalisa confirmed that a deal is ongoing. “We’re negotiating and I’m confident a deal will be reached,” Kalisa told this paper in a brief phone interview on Sunday. Ends