The second tier of Ghana’s league structure, the Division One League, will benefit from a $150,000 sponsorship deal agreed today between the Ghana Football Association and Poly Group, a local industrial company.
The deal represents the first year of a proposed 3-year association with the second tier of Ghana football.
By the signing of the sponsorship deal, Poly Group wins the title to become headline sponsors of the 2008/2009 season christened, “Poly Tank Division One League,” which kicks off this weekend.
The league would also enjoy television coverage with Metropolitan Entertainment Television (Metro TV) serving as the media partners of the "Poly Tank Division One League".
Some matches of the Division One League will be telecast live on the network, a private television channel.
The TV station will provide media coverage for the league to the tune of about GH¢378,000.
The television package is inclusive of one live match per week, delayed telecast and the promotion of the sponsor’s brand.
FA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi says the deal will lift the standard of the Division One League and put it at par with the premiership league which enjoys huge television patronage.
“Division One League football would now enjoy a major cash boost through this sponsorship deal. It is expected that the money pumped into the league would help raise the standard of off football and attract more fans to the grounds.
“The financial burden on clubs would be somehow lessened but clubs would have to manage their outfits efficiently and ensure that the league reaches the high standards we aspire for.
“This would certainly bring the game at par with the premiership and fall in line with the larger commitment of the Ghana Football Association to attain success in the development of the game.
“Youthful players can have a better opportunity of showing their talents and this would also enhance the work of scouting departments of teams,” Kwesi Nyantakyi said.
Ashok Mohinani, Executive Director of Poly Tanks Ghana Limited says his outfit’s decision to sponsor the league was based on their quest to support the development of football, especially at the grassroots level.