Seaga expects more support

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Chairman of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), Edward Seaga, is confident that there will be increased sponsorship for this year's National Premier League (NPL) competition, which is scheduled to kick off on Sunday.

Seaga said his association is currently in negotiations with a number of sponsors, and once these deals are completed, he is sure they will surpass last year's total sponsorship figure of $68 million.

"It should be better, but we don't know because it has not been finalised yet," said Seaga during a press launch for the 2012-13 which was held at the Jamaica Football Federation head office in New Kingston yesterday.

"To a large extent, it (last year's sponsorship amount) was due to the fact that we split the sponsors (for the title and shirt)," he said.

Seaga added that his administration is very grateful to all the sponsors as it takes a lot of money to finance the clubs in the NPL.

"It (sponsorship) will always impact the league because any extra dollar that we get is important," Seaga said. "However, the fact of the matter is that it is really not a lot of money by comparison with what the teams have to find. But it helps them, and once it helps them, we are glad that we are able to do it."

The companies that are on board are Red Stripe (title sponsors), Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, Jamaica National, CB Chicken Wisnyco and Supreme Ventures Limited, through its brand sports betting brand, JustBet.

Meanwhile, Sean Yelle, senior brand manager of Red Stripe, said his company will be providing a lot of prizes and surprises for the spectators this season.

"I think that they are going see different and new things," said Yelle. "Red Stripe is definitely the beer of the Premier League, and throughout the season we are going to continue to drive it through our family of products."

COMPETITIVE SEASON AHEAD

Yelle added that he is also expecting a very competitive season.

"We think it is going to be another exciting year and we are really looking forward to it," said Yelle. "The Red Stripe Football Mondays have done extremely well not only for Red Stripe, but definitely for the clubs involved and also the PLCA."

Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation, said he also expects a competitive season.

"I am very excited right now based on what I have seen here today, because when you look at the turnout and when you look at the enthusiasm and the anticipation, the sponsors are looking eager and ready to go," said Burrell.

Sunday's games are Boys' Town vs Cavalier, Harbour View vs Montego Bay United, Highgate United vs Waterhouse, Humble Lion vs Sporting Central, Portmore vs Savannah, and Tivoli Gardens vs Arnett Gardens. Home teams are named first.