HARARE, February 12, 2011- When the local football league kicks off next month, clubs are assured of a credible sponsor that will be unveiled by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) at a function scheduled for February 25.

The sponsorship comes as a big relief to clubs some of which have been struggling to fulfil their away fixtures due to financial problems.Although the sponsorship deal is still a secret, sources at the league have revealed that Delta Beverages have agreed to bankroll the top flight league this season.
PSL chairman Twine Phiri revealed that the league has finally found a sponsor and added that they will only be able to disclose the details at a function scheduled for February 25.

However, the sources added that Delta Beverages had no option and were caught in the PSL hook after an international competitor had expressed willingness to finance the cash strapped local league.Delta Beverages marketing director Maxen Karombo admitted they have been speaking to the PSL but refused to release the details of their negotiations.

Delta, however, are not new to football. As National Breweries they sponsored the PSL in the 90s and also bankrolled the soccer star of the year award.That is not all.They also sponsored the country's major knockout tournament, the Castle Cup, for over three decades from 1962 to 1996.

The sponsorship comes at a time when most clubs were complaining of financial problems due to the season they went through last year. The soccer season is pencilled to start on March 5 and for sure with a sponsor.Clubs that are owned by individuals were the ones hardest hit by financial problems.The owners have to pay for transport and players accommodation for away league games.

Individuals who own clubs in the league expect something at the end of the season in order to return back their financial resources which they would have forked out to finance soccer business at their teams.Failure by Zifa and PSL administration to lure back and find consistent sponsors to finance the top flight league is hampering the competitiveness and growth of the premier soccer league.