FA, Bralirwa in new deal talks

RWANDA Football Federation [Ferwafa] has started negotiations with Bralirwa with view to renewing the latter’s sponsorship of the National Football League whichresumes on September 21.The federation chairman, Celestin Ntagungira, told Times Sport recently that both sides were happy with the outcome of the previous sponsorship and hope to seal another deal before the 2013/14 season kicks off.Ntagungira said, “We have had initial talks with Bralirwa and they are satisfied with how the past sponsorship went. Now, since Bralirwa are contended with the way we partnered, we believe it makes negotiations for a new deal much easier for both parties.”Last month, Bralirwa’s Managing Director Jonathan Hall confirmed talks between Ferwafa and the brewery though he stated that the talks are still in the early stages. He also never gave away much in terms of the length of the new deal.In 2012, Bralirwa Ltd and Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa) agreed a one-year league sponsorship extension worth Rwf160 million.The sponsorship package covered the 2012/13 national football league, with 47 per cent of the amount directly benefitting clubs through prize money and participation fees with an aim of improving the standards of local football.Previously, Bralirwa sponsored the league during the 2004-05 season before pulling out under unclear circumstances. But the two parties entered into a new three-year partnership valued at Rwf335m to sponsor the 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons.League dateMeanwhile, Ferwafa has confirmed that the 2013/14 Primus league will start on September 21 but fixtures are yet to be released.Two new teams in the league, Gicumbi FC and Esperance FC will replace relegated Etincelles and Isonga FC.Ferwafa is also planning to apply the 3-8 quota where all top flight football league clubs will be allowed to name only three foreign players in their 18-man matchday squads.Several clubs including APR, Police and AS Kigali have confirmed they will strictly use local players in the upcoming season.

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FA, Bralirwa in new deal talks