MBABANE – Bigger and better!
That is what the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) is seeking to do with the Charity Cup set to be revived after a five-season break.
The tournament was last staged during the 2019/20 season, where Mbabane Highlanders defeated Manzini Wanderers to claim the crown. At the time, the event was sponsored by Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) to the tune of about E2.4 million. However, the competition has remained defunct since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, depriving the local football calendar of its traditional, lucrative season opener.
However, according to the PLE website, the tournament is being revived and it is now open for sponsorship referred to as the Open Model Sponsorship Packages.
“These packages are tailored to suit a variety of goals and budgets, giving your brand a meaningful presence in the sport,” the PLE states via its digital platform.
The Charity Cup package is open to the amount of E3.5 million, representing a E1.1 million increase over the previous edition. Potential sponsors can choose from three options: an outright package purchase, a formal pledge or a co-sponsorship agreement.
The Polycarp Dlamini-led organisation has outlined some benefits for potential sponsors, including fundraising through fan voting across digital payment platforms. In the last edition, ‘Bull’ pocketed a E1.1 million champions prize with ‘Weslians’ getting half the prize.
The tournament also had lucrative individual prizes such as E20 000 for the Player of the Series. Furthermore, 70 per cent of gate takings was reserved for charity work.
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Mbabane Highlanders celebrate their 2019 Eswatini Telecom Charity Cup success. The Charity Cup is set to make a comeback. (File pic)