By Martin Chawanzi
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and Eden University have unveiled a K1, 099, 000 historic sponsorship for Division One.
During the unveiling of the first ever sponsorship for Division One, Kamanga said the deal was for a five year period and reviewed annually.
And Eden University Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kelvin Kaunda said his organization was happy to sponsor the local football mother body.
Kamanga said that the sponsorship marked a delivery on one of the highlights of his pledges to the Zambian game.
“I am happy that we have started this journey of Division One with an education partner, we hope to have a banking partner, broadcast partner. We are opening up our sponsorship to have as many corporates as possible,” he said.
“Eden University is a Zambian University and we are happy to partner with a Zambian body charged with the responsibility of running the game.”
Kamanga said that every penny from the deal would be accounted for.
“Football is evolving now, so when it comes to administration even at FIFA Itself, transparency is key so we expect that all those who aspire to run football should be made to account for the way they are running the game,” he said.
“Going forward through our club licensing we will tighten the screws for our clubs so we expect everyone to be very compliant. All those who may not comply we will not take kindly, the rules have to be enforced. Football is a rule based game.”
Kamanga said, “We hope that with this partnership that we are signing, we should be able to take it to the next level. We do not want people who have failed elsewhere to find a way into football because it is the only place where they can do whatever they want.”
“I will give you an example I am a chartered accountant, you can take me to ZICA and CIMA. When somebody comes into FAZ, they think they cannot account to anyone,” he said.
Kamanga said the developments taking place in the game were measured against the promises made.
He also said that Division One sponsorship would also speed up the national structure proposed under League Restructuring.
Kamanga said FAZ was in talks with a broadcast partner that will see Division One matches beamed on television.
The packaged includes prize money for the winners with also individual prizes incorporated within the package.
Eden University is a local university that has embraced some dynamism that has seen them venture into other non-curricula activities.
