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Better Days Ahead for African Football (22.10.2004)
The CAF/MTN partnership, concretised yesterday, seeks to develop football in the African continent.
The Confederation of African Football, CAF, yesterday signed a partnership agreement with the South African cellular network provider, MTN. This was during a press conference granted by the CAF President, Issa Hayatou and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN, Phuthuma Nhleko at the CAF headquarters, 6th October City, Egypt. Present were the Chief
Executive Officer of CAF`s marketing TV partner (Sport 5), Alain Krzentowski and journalists from some 12 African countries.
Following the agreement, MTN becomes the title sponsor of the 2006 and 2008 African Cup of Nations to be hosted in Egypt and Ghana respectively, as well as the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 editions of the most prestigious club competition on the continent, the CAF Champions Leagues. The two competitions will henceforth be known as MTN African Cup of Nations and MTN Champions League. The CEO of MTN explained that during
this period, his organisation will pump in some 12 million dollars (about CFA 6,000 million) to boost African football. "But the sum can stretch out to about 24 million dollars", he noted. According to CAF President Issa Hayatou, all sectors of football in the continent will benefit from the partnership. "In collaboration with the national associations, we would select our priorities", he said.
The MTN CEO explained that the partnership is a clear demonstration of MTN`s belief in the African continent, it`s people and what can be achieved by moving forward together. "As a truly African organisation, MTN is committed to investing in our continent and our people. Through this sponsorship, we can work with the Confederation of African Football to spread the word to the world about the talent and determination of Africa`s teams, the skill and strength of Africa`s
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players and the passion and enthusiasm of Africa`s fans", Phuthuma Nhleko said. He explained that with the FIFA World CUP finals to be held in Africa for the first time in 2010, it is but important that Africans start taking initiatives that will directly benefit football in the continent by helping in its growth and development. "If African football is to catch and hold the attention of the world over the next six years as we move towards 2010, we need to invest in the continental game and work towards lifting the standard on the field of play by creating more opportunities off it.
Sponsoring the MTN African Cup of Nations and the MTN CAF Champions League, along with the MTN CAF Awards, are the first positive steps forward in that direction", MTN CEO explains. CAF president, Issa Hayatou, heralded the partnership and said it will change the physiognomy of African football. "We are very happy to have MTN and Sports Five as our partners. This shows their interest in African Football", he noted. To him, the input of the two companies will help to develop African football. "It will enable CAF to achieve it`s goals. We are confident that the next African Cup of Nations will be more successful", he said. Yesterday`s press conference was an occasion for journalists to seek to know the multi-facets of the CAF/MTN contract. Although details were not given on how the money will be used, the press was reassured that all domains of football will be taken into consideration, while national associations will be assisted to develop football at the local level. In effect, MTN has already established strong links with the greatest acheivers in African football through the MTN CAF awards, the annual gala ceremony where the African Player of the Year, among other key awards, is announced. The sponsorship deal that was sealed yesterday falls in this same direction; serve as a catalyst for football excellence
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