NPL and Groot Systems sponsorship sealedLeague could kick off in February After a long wait, the Namibia Premier League has finally signed a N$9 million sponsorship deal with Groot Systems. The Namibia Premier League (NPL) has finally signed a sponsorship agreement with Groot Systems and the league is expected to kick off in February.The NPL held its annual general meeting (AGM) on Saturday and the league''s spokesperson, Cassius Moetie, said the football programme should start in February 2017, provided that the League secures the additional N$24 million needed for its 2016/2017 football season.
He mentioned that the AGM welcomed and approved the new sponsor.
“The annual N$3 million football sponsorship agreement between NPL and Groot Systems was signed and is thus official,” he said.
Moetie said the AGM also approved the audited financial statements of the 2015/2016 football season and the budget for the 2016/2017 football season.
“The AGM reappointed the current audit firm, Saunderson & Co, for another term in accordance with the NPL constitution,” he said.
He indicated that an extraordinary annual general meeting will be convened in January 2017 for the NPL to consider and adopt the draft constitution.
At the AGM, promoted teams Chief Santos Football Club, Young African Football Club and Life Fighters Football Club were welcomed to the league.
“The AGM congratulated the trio for their promotion to the top league in the country and granted full membership to Chief Santos Football Club for having complied with the registration requirements of the league.
“However, Young African and Life Fighters Football Clubs were granted conditional membership and have until close of business on Wednesday, 16 November 2016 to pay their full registration fees to be in compliance with the league,” he said.
The AGM was attended by 14 of the 16 members, while two tendered apologies.
NFA president Frans Mbidi and secretary-general Barry Rukoro also attended the AGM.
“NPL annual general meeting expressed gratitude for the wisdom and leadership they, as the Namibian football controlling body, provided to NPL as its full and substantive member.
“We have always appreciated the uncompromising support we, as the league, has received from the NFA, especially during the past few months when the leadership of the league was crucified from all sectors of our demanding football community.
“It is this commitment during our tough economic conditions that further inspire us all in NPL to reach for the stars and hopefully deliver breakthrough outcomes,” said Moetie.
KAINO NGHITONGO