Ghanaian Division One soccer side Asokwa Deportivo FC has signed a kit sponsorship deal with Lebo Sports Equipment Company in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Lebo will also give Deportivo the opportunity to train at the Palestra Fitness Centre, a sports facility operated by the sporting kit company at Kaase, a suburb of Kumasi aside providing them with sporting gear. The training and usage of the modern training gym and fitness facility comes at no cost for Deportivo.
The preliminary unveiling of the deal took place at the Palestra fitness gym centre on Tuesday serving as a prelude to an official signing partnership. There has been no specified length of the contract but a deal is imminent upon arrival of Lebo’s Director of the Palestra Gym from the Netherlands. Lebo will now become the kit sponsors for the Kumasi-based outfit and will enhance the team’s use of gym facilities at the Palestra fitness training facility.
For now, Deportivo has taken delivery of a set of travelling bags, two sets of white and yellow track suits and two sets of yellow and black jerseys with each set of apparel having 18 pieces each of the items.
The country manager of the Sports Company, Michael Antwi who is also an ex-footballer in the Netherlands pledged Lebo’s support for the club as their Corporate Social Responsibility.
“We chose Deportivo FC because they fall within our vicinity since Palestra is located at Kaase. They have to enjoy any benefits first before it transcends to other clubs. Palestra and Lebo are willing to promote Deportivo to the highest pedestal for as many years as we can. We have started with only products but as we move on, monetary benefits will emerge,” Michael Antwi told the Footy-Ghana.com.
Michael also revealed that players of Deportivo FC will have the opportunity to be marketed and sold to the Netherlands as part of the sponsorship deal.
“Lebo Sports and Palestra has links in Amsterdam with Ajax FC and players who excel will be given the opportunity to play and be marketed in the Netherlands and other countries,” he added.
The owner of the club, Amidu Abdulai (Karmarat), thanked Lebo Sporting Group and Palestra for offering the support.
“We thank Mr. Otuo Acheampong (Sometymer) who facilitated this sponsorship for us. The sporting equipment is a plus for us as our players who are very energetic will enhance their capabilities too with the fitness facilities. We are glad we have this international deal which is the first of its kind for the club… I will always pick equipment ahead of money. This is an extra motivation for Asokwa Deportivo to qualify to the Premier Division this year,” Karmarat said.
Amidu Abdulai also pledged to commensurate the reputable image of their new partners by putting up excellent performances in all matches and stated that, the gesture is positive and beneficial for the whole of Ashanti.
“We will also protect the image of Palestra and Lebo both on and off the pitch as well as continue to produce talents for them, which has always been our hallmark. Palestra is not only helping Asokwa Deportivo alone, it benefits the whole of Ashanti.”
Players, Abu Naaba and Appiah McCarthy who represented the players and out doored the sports equipment praised the gesture by Lebo and Palestra.
“We need a lot of such things in the team and I believe this has come to help us. We are glad to have this opportunity and sponsorship. The pre-season which we started here at the fitness centre is the reason to our energetic output throughout the durations in our matches,” McCarthy told Footy-Ghana.com
Deportivo play Karela FC coached by former Kotoko player Frimpong Mansoo in the GN Bank Division One League this weekend.
