Published by the government of Zimbabwe
8 July 2009
Harare — ECONET Wireless have distanced themselves from any sponsorship deals with the domestic Premiership amid a frenzy of media speculation linking the mobile communications company to a possible reunion with the top-flight league.
Econet have been heavily linked with a return to the domestic Premiership, as the flagship sponsor of the league, once the top-flight body officially ends its marriage with CBZ Holdings. The Econet link appeared to be confirmed at the league's mid-season meeting of clubs that was held in Harare on Saturday.
Although the PSL leadership did not reveal the identity of their new sponsor, speculation immediately linked their deal to Econet and there was a flurry of media reports confirming the revival of their marriage. But Econet yesterday distanced themselves from the deal.
"Econet Wireless notes recent reports in the media linking the company to the Premier Soccer League," read a statement released by the company's corporate communications manager Rangarirai Mberi. "Econet wishes to state clearly that these reports are wholly false. Econet is not considering sponsorship of the Premier Soccer League, now or in the future.
"This has previously been communicated to the media. There has been no change to this position. No discussions whatsoever have been held with the PSL. "Therefore, to claim otherwise is to engage in speculation."
The Premiership has been running without a sponsor for its flagship championship after CBZ Holdings decided against committing itself to bankroll the league because of challenges in the banking sector.
CBZ Holdings have been the league's premier sponsor since 2007 and, in addition to bankrolling the championship, the financial services giant also sponsored the CBZ FA Cup. Econet sponsored the 2005 Premiership championship as part of what was a five-year deal but the company terminated its marriage with the league after problems arose following CAPS United's decision to be bankrolled by their rivals Net*One.
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