Chairman of Julinho Sporting FC, Dino Ballotti, has urged the business community to consider investing in Namibian football so as to ensure that their respective brands get maximum exposure.
Ballotti was speaking at the launch of his club’s new match day kit, in Windhoek, on Monday. He maintained that not every sponsorship is worth millions, stressing that some strategic partnerships start with handshakes and a case of cold drinks.
“We need corporate Namibia to do better, we need more giants of industry to get involved be it at grassroots, academy and regional level or women’s football,” Ballotti said further gushing about the exploits of Julinho Sporting Ladies, also known as JSL, who are currently leading the Kavango East Women’s Regional League on 17 points from 7 matches played, having garnered 5 wins and 2 draws.
The new match day kit was sponsored by JSB Sports Betting and Debmarine. It is not the first time for Julinho to hop into bed with JSB Sports Betting, having already benefited through the latter’s purchase of a fully branded bus.
“As most may already be aware, we have a brand new VW bus, namely the Betmobile, which JSB purchased and fully branded. We have step out gear and equipment, and now full matchday gear for both home and away games, all thanks to the vision and generosity of JSB and in particular Jayson Zulch,” Ballotti said.
“It is notable that JSB are also the lead sponsors of the Welwitchias, who recently flew the flag at the Rugby World Cup in France. They (JSB) are serious about sports and I believe that the time is right for women’s football to also benefit from this exemplary corporate citizen,” he added.
Ballotti further extended his gratitude to Debmarine for their contribution citing that without the generous support to Namibian football, Namibia would not be where it is in terms football.
“It is evident that football is on the right trajectory and collectively, on behalf of the NPFL clubs, we appreciate you and thank you for your financial contribution to the top tier of football in the country,” Ballotti said.
Speaking at the same occasion, newly elected Namibia Football Association (NFA) President, Robert Shimooshili, echoed Ballotti’s sentiments on the importance of corporate Namibia coming on board to invest in the beautiful game, as a whole.
“What JSB and Debmarine did is commendable and we would like to urge other corporate players to follow suit. Sponsorship of any kind will be more than welcome. We appreciate the fact that sponsors support the teams of their choice but I think it is high time that we get support for the game of football in Namibia, in general,” he stressed.
Speaking on behalf of JSB Sporting FC, Jevon Wilson urged Julinho Sporting FC to go on and win the premier league.
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