Wanderers clarify on sponsorship cut

Be Forward Wanderers are keeping the fingers crossed to start accessing their full package again after their sponsor, Be Forward Limited, effected 30 percent sponsorship cut due to coronavirus pandemic.

However, the Japanese firm has given the Lali Luabni Road side relief after promising to give Wanderers full sponsorship package should Covid-19 effects stabilise in two months.

Wanderers General Secretary, Victor Maunde said they have received an assurance from Be Forward Limited of a full package should the Covid-19 come to an end within two months.

Maunde insisted that the cut was for two months and subject for review after the period.

“It is a temporary measure for two months due to Covid-19 and it will be evaluated after two months depending on the situation on the ground. To make it clear, the sponsors have cut by 30 percent every month sponsorship for two months Our 20 percent contribution every month comes from the gate collections,” Maunde said.

Wanderers complement Be Forward sponsorship by contributing 20 percent using money realised from gate collections.

The Nomads get an annual sponsorship of K150 million from the Japanese car dealers Be Forward Limited. However, Maunde could not disclose the monthly contribution from the sponsors towards the salaries of the players and technical staff.

Following the cut in sponsorship, Nomads players also agreed a pay cut.

The company’s representative, Mike Butao, who is also a former Wanderers General Secretary, was not readily available for comment yesterday.

Last week Butao neither denied nor confirmed the sponsorship cut.

“All I can say is that the situation in Japan has gotten worse as no ships can come in or leave. That means no sale of cars. So there is a constant engagement with the executive committee on best this can be managed for now,” Butao said recently.

Due to Covid-19, most countries across the world including Japan have effected lockdown. Football season faces uncertain future in the world due to the pandemic as all leagues have been suspended.

In Africa, Caf also postponed Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers which were due to take place in March this year.