NATIONAL Rugby League (NRL) clubs are up in arms with their executive over non disbursement of last year’s funds, despite the sponsors having made the money available.
BY ALBERT MARUFU
Delta Beverages, through their Lion Lager brand, sponsored the league to the tune of US$130 000 with the clubs expected to share US$31 500 depending on their final log finish.
Most clubs that spoke to Standardsport raised their concerns saying they did not know what was in store for them going into the 2014 season.
“Communication from the NRL leaders is just poor. We do not know when the money will come, or if it will come at all,” said one club chairman who preferred anonymity.
Patricia Murambinda, the Delta Beverages’ marketing manager told Standardsport that the company will be renewing their relationship with NRL but will not extend the sponsorship to the senior national rugby team in the World Cup campaign.
“Yes, we will be renewing our sponsorship this year. Our involvement with rugby is currently mainly at national league level only,” she said.
However, NRL chairman Noddy Kanyangarara said they were waiting for Delta Beverages to confirm their sponsorship for the new season.
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“We are still negotiating with Delta Beverages to renew their sponsorship of the league following the expiry of the three year contract we had with them. Delta released last year’s sponsorship package, but the reason for not disbursing it is because we are waiting for their confirmation to come back on board,” he said. “We are faced with a situation where, if they do not come back on board, we need to then decide on the way forward on the funds available. We risk not having a league at all as most clubs will not be able to foot bills to travel, for the kit and payment of referees.”
The champions, Old Hararians, are guaranteed US$7 000, while second placed old Georgians stand to pocket US$5 500.
Third placed Harare Sports Club are set to get US$4 250 while fourth placed Matabeleland Warriors would pocket US$3 750.
Old Miltonians, Panthers, Gweru and Zvishavane Bulls who finished fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth respectively are expecting to pocket US$3 350, US$2 500 and US$2 250.
Kanyangarara also revealed that the 2014 season would start on April 26 instead of the previously advertised April 19.
“We wanted to start the league on April 19 but have since realised that it is a public holiday,” he said.
He also added that they have increased the teams to nine.
“We have decided not to relegate Zvishavane Bulls and with the promotion of Mutare, the number of teams will add up to nine. The whole idea is to develop the sport in those parts of the country. It does not make sense to promote Mutare and demote Zvishavane. It is our hope that Masvingo will also come into the picture in the near future,” he said.
