Volleyball finally clinches Mascom sponsorship

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Thursday February 25, 2010 00:00

 

After months of speculation and anxiety, there was relief on Tuesday night when the cellular giant announced a staggering P1 million sponsorship for the 2010 season. This is the biggest sponsorship in the history of local volleyball.

The sponsorship was announced early last year but could not be launched because the deal was not yet sealed and the ensuing negotiations became protracted. When it was finally launched last Tuesday, it was announced that the league will start on Saturday.

Speaking at the launch, Mascom chief communications and public relations officer, Meshack Mokone said that the sponsorship was delayed by what he described as a boardroom issue. This is the second time that Mascom is sponsoring volleyball. 'At Mascom we are always delighted to participate in partnerships such as this one. Tonight we wish to demonstrate our commitment to sports in general and volleyball in particular,' Mokone said on Tuesday. He said they are looking forward to a healthy partnership which when well nurtured will be mutually beneficial to both parties.

The Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) president Daniel Molaodi promised Mokone that they would do everything to make sure that the partnership benefits both parties. 'We will make sure the league runs well because everything that we are going to do will be associated with Mascom and any bad thing that we do may tarnish the name of the company,' Molaodi said. He said in their efforts to make sure that the league runs smoothly, they recently engaged their affiliates in a meeting to farmiliarise them with the contract expectations.

'We want Mascom to be number one because of us and want to be number one because of them,' he said.

Molaodi was relived that the league will finally start. He said people had doubts about the sponsorship even when they tried to convince them that it was coming. He said the fact that the league can attract such a huge sponsorship shows that volleyball has grown. He promised that Mascom will get value for its money.

Gaborone deputy mayor, Haskins Nkaigwa thanked Mascom for its commitment to sports even at a time of economic crisis. He said the company has done a lot in the country since its establishment. He challenged other companies to emulate Mascom. He promised that government will support the company in its endeavours.

In the opening games on Saturday, BDF VI women will face Dynamites while Desert Kings men will take on Spiking Stars. Kutlwano men will entertain Diphatsa in what is expected to be a thriller.