Top South African Bank to sponsor Hearts and Kotoko

Accra, July 24, GNA - The nation's two most successful clubs, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko will soon benefit from a sponsorship package from a top South African financial institution, Standard Bank towards their participation in continental club championships.

The support programme is geared towards the company's support for the development of sports particularly football on the African continent.

Mr Craig Bond, Chief Executive of Standard Bank, the parent company of Stanbic Ghana announced on Tuesday, when he called on the Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports (MoESS), Osei Bonsu Amoah in Accra.

He said that Stanbic sponsors the two biggest football clubs in South Africa - Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs and is considering extending similar services to the nation's top-most biggest clubs in Ghana in their quest to project the image of the company and show their commitment to sport as well.

Mr Bond said "We also sponsor clubs in Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya and several others", and that he rates support for football as the topmost priority of his company from now till 2008. Mr Mawuko Afadzinu, Head of Marketing and Public Relations of Stanbic Ghana, explained that his outfit has held preliminary discussions with the two clubs in view of supporting them in their continental campaign.

He added that there were discussions of extra motivational packages for clubs who make it to the group stages of both the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup but added that a deal is yet to be sealed. Mr Amoah lauded the idea of the South Africa headquartered Bank to support the two clubs considering the financial difficulties they encounter in participating in continental club championships. He challenged the Bank to extend their support wing to other sporting disciplines while assuring them of the needed support for the targeted mileage.

"Already Gold Fields Ghana Limited is sponsoring the Black Stars, so you are welcomed if you plan to come on board to support our local clubs."

Currently, the nations two most glamorous clubs are hooked onto sponsorship from telecommunication giants; Areeba (soon to be MTN) and another deal is expected to lessen the financial burden on their managements.

Stanbic is a co-sponsor of the 26th edition of the African Cup of Nations together with MTN, scheduled for Ghana from January 20 - February 10. 24 July 07