Big Bullets are in a tight spot following revelations that they may lose a prospective multi-million kwacha sponsorship due to conflict of interest with the Super League sponsor—TNM.
A well-placed source has disclosed that another mobile telecommunications firm [name withheld] has dangled a K50 million (US$122 850) upfront sponsorship to Big Bullets to help it break into the market.
However, according to the source, the challenge is that Bullets are ignorant about what the TNM Super League sponsorship contract says in the event that a team secures a sponsor who is a competitor of the league sponsor.
“They have held preliminary talks and the prospective sponsor has pledged K50 million upfront in return for BB to help it break the market, but the challenge is that both parties seem to be in the dark about what the TNM sponsorship stipulates,” said the source.
Bullets general secretary Harold Fote yesterday said it would be premature to comment on the issue.
However, Sulom president Innocent Bottoman said, according to the league’s contract with TNM, a club cannot be associated with a company whose business is in direct competition with TNM.
“So in that aspect, it would be difficult for them [Bullets] to be sponsored by another mobile phone network company because there would be conflict of interest.
“The other thing is that it is important for teams to know what is contained in the contract because they are part of it, so that they avoid such confusions and we will be taking up the issue at our next AGM to be held soon,” said Bottoman.
TNM marketing head Sobhuza Ngwenya could not be reached for comment yesterday.
It is understood that it is for that reason that Bullets are optimistic about sustaining Burundian coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan’s services at K500 000 net salary on top of transport, medical scheme, security and two return tickets to his base per season.
Fote insisted that apart from hunting for partners, the team has drawn up several fund-raising ventures that include massive membership drive across the country and raffle draws.
“Already, we have started with the raffle draw whereby 10 lucky winners will accompany the team to South Africa. There will also be consolation prizes including cash, mobile phones and electrical gadgets.
“We are also planning to buy a vehicle which will be up for grabs. So, there is a lot that we are planning,” said Fote.
