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Langton Nyakwenda, Harare Bureau

TRADITIONAL football sponsors, Delta Beverages, are convinced the future of the game in the country is bright and will continue their relationship with the Premier Soccer League for the next three years.

Delta Beverages announced a US$3 390 000 three-year deal, that stretches until the end of the 2026 season, at a function held in the capital yesterday.

The package will see the Premier Soccer League getting US$1 130 000 per season, the same amount Delta Beverages forked out in the last deal that expired at the end of 2023.

Delta Beverages will also continue sponsoring the Chibuku Super Cup and the Castle Challenge Cup.

Reigning league champions Ngezi Platinum Stars will clash with Chibuku Super Cup holders in the Castle Challenge match at Baobab on Saturday.

“Year after year our sponsorship gives us a unique opportunity to present our beer consumers with an activity that they as a nation love,” Delta Beverages marketing director, Irimayi Muzorewa, said.

“It (football) connects people from different backgrounds and creates moments in celebration of good times.

“That for us showcases the opportunities that are leveraged through our sport which makes our investment worthwhile

“The future of football is bright as we are seeing more and more new clubs emerge,” added Muzorewa.

While the prize money for the winners of this year’s title race is still not clear, what is certain is that the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League will kick off next week, even if the saga involving Bikita Minerals and Tenax is not solved by then.

PSL chairman, Farai Jere, confirmed that the team which will eventually be declared Eastern Region Division One champions, will play catch up matches.

“Outstanding matches are common even in Europe,” Jere said.

The PSL boss described Delta Beverages’ decision to renew its marriage with the top flight league as a “momentous occasion.”

“We gather to celebrate not just the renewal of a sponsorship but the continuation of a remarkable journey that intertwines the spirit of competition with the passion for the beautiful game.”

Delta Beverages have a long standing relationship that dates back to 1962, when the top flight league was founded.

After a brief sabbatical, the beverage returned to sponsor the Premier Soccer League in 2011 and since then the partnership between the two entities has stood the test of time.

“The journey we have embarked upon together has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Jere.

“Over the past years, Delta Beverages through the Castle and Chibuku Super brands have played an integral role in the growth and success of the Premier Soccer League.

“Their support has been the driving force behind the thrilling matches, the emergence of new talent, and the unyielding spirit that defines our league.”

The unveiling ceremony was graced by various football stakeholders including representatives of Premier Soccer League club and chairman of the Zifa Normalisation Committee Lincoln Mutasa.

“These (Delta Beverages) are our all-weather friends in football; these are the people who have stood with football from even the days when we were still playing.

“If there is anybody who should be called Mr. Football, then it’s Delta Beverages,” said Mutasa.

Manica Diamonds founding secretary Sugar Chagonda also hailed the league sponsors.

“What Delta Beverages have done today is an endorsement of our league,” he said.

The Manicaland based side finished second last season, in only their third season in the top flight.

Dynamos secretary Webster Marechera also praised Delta Beverages for their continued support of the local top flight league.

“We can only applaud Delta Beverages for their consistency in terms of sponsoring our league,” he said.

Caps United executive committee member, Onismas Matsika, believes Delta Beverages will ignite competition in the league.

“As Caps United, we want to fight on all fronts, we are gunning for the Chibuku trophy and the league championship.

“We have done our business very well during the offseason, in terms of the fusion of the old and new players.

“We have a very good squad that can gun for the championship,” said Matsika.

Premier Soccer League chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele credited Delta Beverages for the league’s recent successes.

“Appreciation goes to the esteemed sponsors for the unwavering commitment to the league.

“They have been the driving force behind the success we have achieved over the years,” Ndebele.

He added: “The renewal of this contract is testament to the shared values, vision and dedication to the beautiful game which binds us together.

“We are not just fostering the growth of football but also making a positive impact on the society.

“As we look ahead to the upcoming season, let’s embark on this journey with huge enthusiasm and shared commitment to make it the most exciting and memorable one.

“The continued support of our sponsors is the catalyst that will drive us to achieve new milestones and inspire generations to come.”