Leading betting firm Betika has on Wednesday morning nrenewed its shirt sponsorship deal with Sofapaka to the tune of Sh35mn for the next one year. This is an increase of the previous Sh15mn per season the bookies were giving Sofapaka.

The deal was signed at a Nairobi hotel on Wednesday by Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa and Betika Marketing Manager John Mbatia.

“We have been partnering with Sofapaka for the last few years and we are glad with the growth they have had and the benefits that have come from this partnership. We are ready to support them even more especially with our community initiatives,”Mbatia said during the launch.

Sofapaka boss Elly Kalekwa added; “We are glad to see the partnership with Betika growing, They came in at a time when we were facing difficult times and we were almost being demoted from the league due to club licensing issues. Through their input, our performance on the pitch has improved and we hope to do more and better. Our target this season is to fight for the title and this financial help they have given us will go a long way in motivating the players.”

Sofapaka skipper George Maelo said; “As players we are very happy with this new partnership because it had been a few difficult months but now things are looking good. When a player is settled on their minds, then it becomes easier for them to give their all on the pitch.”

The sponsors will not only fund the team’s activities for the next one year but have also undertaken to ensure fans stream back to the stadium to support Batoto ba Mungu.