2 weeks ago
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PRESIDENT OF Montego Bay United (MBU) Dr Germain Spencer says a sponsorship deal with Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ) valued at $12 million will be used to invest in several developmental areas.
The Montego Bay brand CPJ did a cheque presentation at the Montego Bay Sports Complex yesterday.
“We can improve access to technology for advanced player analytics, strengthen scouting, recruitment, implementing performance and recovery programmes, etc,” said Spencer.
“These initiatives will not only make our players more marketable, but give us a competitive edge by identifying our opponent’s weaknesses.”
According to Spencer, while the team has the will to win, he recognises that there is a lot more work to be done.
“Securing and retaining top-quality players comes with higher wage bills, so a part of the funding will be essential to attract and maintain the level of talent needed to achieve our goals,” added Spencer, who wants more backing from the local and business community.
Yoni Epstein, chairman of MBU, also expressed the will for the club to focus on building a sustainable club model.
“Developing a football club is developing sustainability. We need to focus on the merchandise sales, gate receipts and sponsorship. These three main revenue items are what really drive the club to meet its budget requirements,” said Epstein, who expressed gratitude for the multimillion-dollar sponsorship.
Epstein stated that for the last two seasons, it was about rebuilding the club’s brand and credibility.
“We need the proper structure, which takes money. We want to be able to have a technical staff, and players on our squad at the level of expertise that we have, because the goal is about going for the title this season,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kemmar Lewis, head of marketing at CPJ, said the Montego Bay-based brand is to enhance the technical capabilities and player acquisition.
“We expect that the funds will go a very long way in making sure that we can get players, and continue to push forward the technical capabilities of the team,” said Lewis, who is proud and looking forward to the partnership.
According to Lewis, partnering with MBU is an opportunity to give back in the form of sports.
“All over the world, premium brands are aligning to sports because it is fast becoming a premium eye. Whether fashion, food or entertainment, we also see that as an opportunity for us to bridge that divide when it comes to what we do and our customers,” he added.
The sponsorship will last three seasons at $4 million per season.
The Jamaica Premier League season officially started on Sunday, with MBU’s opening match ending in a 2-2 draw with last season’s beaten finalists Mount Pleasant Academy.
MBU are scheduled to play on Monday at the Montego Bay Sports Complex against returning team Treasure Beach Football Club.
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