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Kampala. Uganda’s national basketball teams, the Silverbacks (Senior Men) and the Gazelles (Senior Women), have received a boost from local betting brand betPawa, which is set to sponsor them for the next three years.
In an announcement made yesterday, betPawa said it will give the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) UGX 2.6 billion (Tsh1.8 billion) towards the management of the two teams between now and 2026.
The costs to be covered under this partnership include team training, travel and accommodation to attend tournaments, medical insurance and supplements among others.
“The costs to be covered under this partnership include team training, travel and accommodation to attend tournaments, medical insurance and supplements among others,” said betPawa’s Chief Branding Officer Spencer Okach.
Additionally, betPawa will directly pay the players UGX 150,000 per match for every win their team gets under their flagship Locker Room Bonus initiative.
Locker Room Bonus is a direct reward to players by the sponsor for winning matches, as a way of boosting their morale and recognising great performance.
Confirming the signing of the sponsorship, FUBA CEO Marcus Kwikiriza said: “This is the first time our players are getting an incentive such as the Locker Room Bonus and also the first time in East and Central Africa that a private company is sponsoring a national basketball team.”
The Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang lauded betPawa for the sponsorship, noting that in most countries sports are supported mostly by the private sector, adding that he hopes to see the same in Uganda.
“Clap for this special occasion. The problems facing sports can only be solved by the partners we have here. Elsewhere private sponsors play a big role in supporting teams. Thanks to betPawa for bringing the challenge here,” he said.
The national team manager and administrator, Albert Ahabwe, said the teams ‘progress had been affected by financial difficulties in the past despite the great talent on board.
“With betPawa on board we are ready to prepare, and when we prepare well and in good time, we are ready to take over the continent.” betPawa Chief Commercial Officer Ntoudi Mouyelo said, adding the sponsorship is timely given the global spotlight on the game brought on by the Basketball Africa League.
He said the partnership will increase players’ exposure to top clubs at home and abroad as betPawa will support them in attending tournaments where they can showcase their skills.
“With Uganda Silverbacks recently being ranked by FIBA as one of the most improved countries by ranking, moving up four spaces to position 83, out of 160; we see huge potential here. These kinds of partnerships can help them aspire to reach even greater achievements both regionally and globally,” he added.
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