Vodafone, the number one next generation 4G operator in Zambia, has expressed its disappointment in the Football Association of Zambia’s (FAZ) decision to move the game between City of Lusaka F.C. and Nkana Warriors away from the Vodafone Stadium, City Ya Moto’s home ground. Vodafone has subsequently apologized to all fans of the team looking to watch the game in the newly refurbished stadium.
On August 27, The City of Lusaka was scheduled to host Copperbelt outfit, Nkana Warriors in a match that was expected to coincide with the official unveiling of the Vodafone Stadium, formerly known as Woodlands Stadium.
The Football Association however moved the game to Nkoloma Stadium in Chelstone following a misunderstanding between City of Lusaka sponsors, premier league sponsors, and the F.A.
Vodafone Zambia CEO noted that while he respected the decision by the Football Association, and emphasized the need to adhere to their ruling, he pointed out that he was disappointed at the outcome of events, as it had the potential to severely affect the morale of clubs looking to partner with corporate sponsors for the benefit of the game.
Mr. Stork further stated that he has been and is still fully committed to participate in a negotiation with all parties concerned and confident that a solution will be possible, allowing the City of Lusaka FC to play the balance of their home games at the refurbished Vodafone Stadium.
“My philosophy is quite simple, competition is the critical driver of performance and innovation. It benefits consumers by enabling more choice from an array of quality products and services. Healthy competition also encourages our businesses to continuously improve the quality of services leading to a healthy growth of the total market. A pre-requisite for this to flourish however, is that organizations such as the FAZ and any other relevant stakeholders for that matter provide a level playing field for Zambian businesses to participate in the game that unites us all.”
Mr. Stork went on to emphasize Vodafone’s commitment to the City of Lusaka Football Club.
“We are genuinely committed to the growth of Zambian football. It is exciting to see more corporates invest in the sport that unites us all. This is more than a marketing exercise for us, it goes to the very core of our business – ensuring we make a meaningful impact in the communities in which we operate. Therefore, despite the decision, we will continue to support the City of Lusaka and reaffirm our commitment to them as their official sponsor,” said Mr. Stork.
On Wednesday August 23rd, The City of Lusaka Football Club (F.C) announced Vodafone Zambia as their official sponsor in an agreement that gives the next generation operator the sole naming rights of the team’s home stadium, Woodlands.
The Competition fimo fimo should look into this. Ive seen adverts for Go tv on Star Times channels there is nothing wrong with that.The problem with these network providers is that they have been stealing a lot and now that a cheaper alternative has come on board, they want to block them in which ever way possible.
This is what that BUFFOON CK should have done ..sell the naming rights for those two stadia in Lusaka and Ndola
Any normal soccer fan must recommend Vodafone for such a splendid gesture. FAZ should not allow MTN to behave as if they own Zambian football.yes FAZ got about K19min for 3 or 4 yrs from MTN but clubs get peanuts out of this money from FAZ.so clubs are free to attract other sponsors to improve the local football.just look at how teams(Konkola Blades and Nchanga Rangers) sponsored by greedy indians at KCM are struggling.Does FAZ think if those teams and many others had sponsors could be failing to pay their players on time?Lusaka Dynamos and Buildcon are competing with teams like Zesco,Zanaco,Power Dynamos who are well sponsored in 2017 because they managed to attract sponsors!!SO PLEASE BA FAZ STOP THIS NONSENSE FROM MTN!!let more and more companies start sponsoring local teams for our…
Why creating barriers that do not support the game of football!!! Chiefs home ground is named FNB stadium! Chiefs main sponsor is Vodacom..PSL sponor is ABSA! So FAZ act normal.MTN must just go! Buy them out!! Think!!! Think!!!! High time the league was separated from FAZ!!!
Yes FNB only have the naming rights for the stadium. However for every FNB advert during the broadcast they have to pay.
MTN is misbehaving…they cannot have exclusivity of sponsorship of football.CCPC must examine the contract between FAZ and MTN and guide them accordingly.
Mtn is quite right. Vodafone has to pay for the advertising during the broadcast
It is strange how as a country we do not want progress. If you look at the Vodafone Stadium (Former Woodlands Stadium), it is looking better than it used to. This is progress if you ask me. I believe the game should have gone ahead and not transferred to another stadium. I believe we must accept all stakeholders to take part in the sport especially if it speaks to progress. Well done Vodafone and continue to support where you can.
That’s not the way business is done. If you carry a broadcast from a stadium the advertising space is sold by the broadcast er not the owner of the stadium. The stadium owner just rents out the stadium
So MTN refuses to sponsor TV coverage of a match to be played in a Vodafone stadium because there are huge adverts there for Vodafone – a business competitor. MTN is being naughty. Can it alone do everything football clubs need in Zambia? When you see this kind of nonsense, it means someone signed a contract without reading it.
Nkana Warriors? They are a new team in the Zambian league?
Just imagine!!! Ati Ba Nkana Warriors LOL
This is lopsided journalism by LT. We needed to hear FAZ’s side of the story also.