National Sport Council's chairman Idd Kipingu and Barclays Premier League trophy guard Keith Russel display the trophy to the fans upon its arrival at the Mwalumu Julius Nyerere International Airport yesterday.
By Majuto Omary
The Government has asked The English Premier League sponsor, Barclays Bank, to make a joint sponsorship with Vodacom to spice up the local league.
The call was made yesterday by the National Sports Council chairman, Idd Kipingu, when receiving the English Premier League trophy at New Africa Hotel, Dar es Salaam.
Kipingu said owing to the fact that Barclays Premier League boast of a huge following worldwide, plays a role model that every country wants to aspire.
“We would like to see Barclays Bank to expand their sponsorship by joining Vodacom Tanzania in sponsoring our League which has in recent years shown remarkable progress,” he said.
Kipingu urged the soccer body and its affiliates to use the Barclays Premier league trophy tour effectively so as learn the secrets of its success.
“It is clear that all teams in Barclay’s premier league have good coaches, good physicians, well trained referees and good governance, all guiding them to reach their present standards,” said Kipingu.
He explained that Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has done tremendous job in developing the game, but the role cannot be left to them and they need support.
Barclays Tanzania managing director Rished Bade, said the firm understood the position of Tanzania soccer, but it was too early to respond to the sponsorship request.
“We will be able to take action when the lengthy talks with the Government and TFF are completes,” he said.
Rished said the purpose of the tour is to give back its esteemed customers and public to enjoy the trophy tour.
He said they plan to send eight customers to witness live the English Premier League matches.
The customers will get the paid trip to UK after winning special draw by opening new Barclay league account.
