BPL confident of sponsorship deal

Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday February 4, 2014 14:59

 

BPL chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi, said they hoped to meet with beMOBILE representatives before the end of the month.

He is confident that a new deal will be in place before the end of the season despite the little time left.

“We intend to meet before the end of the month. We are not worried about time as we are confident of a deal before the end of the season,” Mamelodi said.

BTC corporate communications manager, Golekanye Molapisi, could not be drawn to comment on the negotiations. BeMOBILE is a subsidiary of BTC.  Sources close to developments said while the two parties are keen on a fresh deal, BPL is holding out, hoping for a better deal elsewhere.

“It is apparent that the BPL wants to give itself more time to engage with potential suitors,” a source said.

It is reported that the BPL, at some stage, courted beMOBILE’s competitor, Mascom. However, hopes of landing the cellular phone services provider have reportedly fallen through as a result of change of guard at the top.

Both BPL and beMOBILE are said to be keen to renew the deal, but the league is delaying going to the negotiating table as it leaves its option open. “What will happen if the following day, soon after signing with beMOBILE, someone comes with a better offer? The BPL will delay this as long as possible, hoping for a better deal, which will empower them when they negotiate with beMOBILE,” the source said. Although there is no official confirmation, BPL will be happy with any figure in excess of P30 million over three seasons. BeMOBILE will also be hard pressed to offer a deal in that region to improve on the P24 million in the current deal.

Meanwhile, in beMOBILE Premier League matches played over the weekend, BDF XI find themselves back in the mix after the leading duo of Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs could only grind to a dull draw on Sunday.

BDF XI cranked up the pressure of the leading pack with a routine 3-1 win over Nico United on Saturday afternoon. This left them just four points behind leaders, Rollers.

BDF XI’s season almost capsized after they were docked six points, but appear to be on track to push Rollers all the way. Extension Gunners and Notwane picked vital points at the other end of the table.