How Kenyan fans will benefit from SportPesa-Arsenal sponsorship deal

The sponsorship deal between betting firm SportPesa and English giants Arsenal is set to usher in new dawn in Kenya’s football as far as support base is concerned.

The deal will see SportPesa engage directly with Arsenal supporters in Kenya through the club’s digital channels, promotional activities and marketing initiatives featuring first-team players and club legends.

Arsenal fans in Kenya will also be offered a range of club-related benefits, including official merchandise and match tickets to see the team in action at Emirates Stadium.

“As part of the partnership, SportPesa will be offering five-day training camps twice per season which will be led by Arsenal-trained coaching staff. These sessions will be designed to ensure that both footballers and coaches in Kenya learn to incorporate the key principles of ‘playing the Arsenal way,” read a statement on Arsenal’s official website.

The camps will also help support the initiatives that SportPesa have in place to identify and nurture talent at a grassroots level.

In the deal, Arsenal will also be offering the opportunity for Kenyan football administrators to meet and learn from expert Arsenal staff and put them into practice in Kenya to help develop football facilities.

Speaking during the launch, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial officer Vinai Venkatesham said: “We are delighted to welcome SportPesa as our Official Betting Partner in Kenya. Arsenal has huge support across Africa and we look forward to engaging further with our fans in Kenya while also helping to drive the SportPesa business and, the development of football in the country.”

Ronald Karauri, SportPesa’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “SportPesa is dedicated to uplifting the football standards in Kenya, and we look working with Arsenal to help achieve this. It is a true testament to the commitment Sportpesa has in putting player development at the forefront of any other need.

“We are committed to allocating the best resources and support to our players to help them achieve their dreams. Our aim is to see Kenya participate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We are also very excited for this partnership and are looking forward for greater revolution in the Kenyan football world.”

By @benjaminwafula