Kariobangi Sharks captain Erick Juma has predicted a new dawn at the club after their financial struggles were halted as Betway was yesterday unveiled as their shirt sponsor.
Since their inception 18 years ago, Sharks have never had a sponsor. Their long search came to an end after the betting firm committed an approximated Sh 15 million for the next year and further cater for the playing unit's uniform.
The deal was sealed at their training base in Utalii where the firm said they will consider extending and injecting more funds in the subsequent years. Sharks became the tenth club on the continent to be sponsored by the firm, who are the official sponsors of English Premier League side Westham United.
The former Shield Cup holders have this season cast a pale shadow of their former self-registering a single win in the opening nine league matches as of yesterday morning.
The dismal run was partially attributed to lack of finances but Juma, who has been at the club since childhood, reckons that the arrival of Betway, fortunes will swing their way.
"Honestly, we haven't begun well this season even though we are still playing attractive football. We have had a few challenges but things will now change. This partnership will bring motivation to the players and I am sure we will return to our winning ways and consequently climb up the ladder," said Juma.
His sentiments were echoed by the club chairman, Robert Maoga, who revealed they are also talking to other corporates as they seek to end their financial struggles.
Maoga admitted that running the club without a sponsor had proved an uphill task but remained confident of arresting these challenges going forward.
"We have been pushing Betway to come on board for long and we are glad they have finally accepted to partner us. Their values coincide with ours and we hope they will extend and revamp the deal once it expires," said Maoga.
"With the partnership, it is our hope our performance will improve. Running the club, which has active youth teams, without a sponsor has been tough and we will cast the net wider with the hope of getting some more money."
