Simba To Terminate Sponsorship Deal With Betting Firm Sportpesa

Tanzania Premier League giants Simba SC will cut short their partnership agreement with online betting firm SportPesa, according to reports.

The Kenyan gaming brand, which has been on the club’s shirts since a five-year deal was struck in May 2017, has agreed to the termination of its contract at the end of the season.

On Tuesday, Simba SC owner Mohammed Dewji hinted the new development suggesting that the decision was reached after a comprehensive review by the club on its commercial strategy in line with its vision and future growth plans.

“Manchester United has agreed to a $305 million shirt sponsorship contract for 5 years. @SimbaSCTanzania doesn’t get even 1% of that with SportsPesa. Time has come to look out for better pastures,” Dewji tweeted.

Simba signed a five-year deal multi-billion shilling deal that would have seen SportPesa brand feature on the club’s shirt through to the 2021/22 seasons.

While the partnership lasted, it enabled the Wekundu wa Msimbazi to play Spanish giants Sevilla and Kenyan clubs Gor Mahia and Kariobangi Sharks in  Dar es Salaam respectively.

In October 2019, SportPesa temporarily closed down shop in Kenya in response to a new 20% tax imposed on betting stakes by the government.

The gambling company ended its sponsorship with Kenyan Premier League Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards but retained sponsorship deals with Simba and Yanga in Tanzania.