THE Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) has expressed delight after securing a landmark sponsorship deal with leading cigarette manufacturer Pacific Cigarette Company.
It is the first time since 2001 that the second-tier football league has a sponsor.
The latest development will see the league renamed Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One Soccer League and is set to elevate the profile of the league as well as provide financial stability to clubs.
According to ERSL chairperson Wisdom Simba, the deal will provide monetary rewards to clubs based on their final standings at the end of the season.
The partnership extends beyond direct funding, with additional investments expected through branding initiatives and promotional activities.
"We managed to secure sponsorship for the whole league nd this is a big step forward for us. At the moment, we can't divulge the actual worth of the deal because, outside the core package, there is still a lot of money to be poured in through branding and other activities, such as the sponsorship launch.
"Giving a figure now would only distort the real amount of money being invested. But I can confidently say this is a good deal for the ERSL," Simba said.
The sponsorship launch is scheduled for March 29 at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
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Pacific Cigarette Company's marketing manager Kudakwashe Chiutsi confirmed the partnership, citing the company's long-standing commitment to supporting local football as part of its community social responsibility initiative.
"I can confirm that Pacific Storm has partnered with the Eastern Region Division One Soccer League as principal sponsor. This sponsorship package is part of our company's community social responsibility initiative, aimed at enhancing the quality of domestic football.
“Pacific Storm has a long-standing commitment to supporting local football, having been involved in various initiatives over the years.
“Further details of the sponsorship package will be unveiled at the official launch event,” Chiutsi said.
