10 Aug 2014

Gaborone United (GU) renewed their ‘vows’ with their long time technical sponsor, Old Mutual, in Gaborone on August 8.

The club also unveiled their new kit for the 2014/15 season which included a home kit, an away kit and two alternative kits. The jerseys bear the Old Mutual logo on the chest instead of Mutual and Federer as was the case during the past season.

During the ceremony, the director of GU, Nicolas Zackhem said they had decided to extend their partnership with Old Mutual, and that they were looking beyond the three-year duration of the sponsorship. 

The president of GU, Tymon Katlholo said the sponsorship marked a true friendship between GU and Old Mutual. “We commend the sponsors for their commitment and it marks yet another milestone in the history of our football,” he said. 

He promised the sponsors that they will get their money’s worth. “We will win two consecutive league titles,” he promised. He also urged GU supporters to rally behind the team regardless of losing or winning.

Katlholo said they could only win and feel proud if they got support. Also speaking during the ceremony was the chairperson of GU, Fidelis Nkomazana who said the team would continue to promote respect and good conduct. 

He added that supporters should also exemplify that all the time. Nkomazana said they would deal severely with anyone who puts the club’s reputation at peril.

For his part, the chairperson of Botswana Premier League, Mike Molefhe thanked Old Mutual for their contribution in the growth of football.  Molefhe said he welcomed the development from the sponsor and hoped that other clubs would follow suit. 

The chief executive officer of Old Mutual, Jack Bekker said the rebranding allowed Old Mutual to invest in one brand. Bekker also wished the team good luck ahead of the season and said Old Mutual was 100 per cent behind them. 

Also during the event, former Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers coach, Rahman Gumbo was unveiled as the new head coach who would take over the team for the 2014/15 season.

Gumbo has been part of the club as a technical director since late last season after the departure of Major David Bright.  Gumbo, who has won the league title before with Rollers, did not promise heaven, but he said he would work hard to bring results. He also promised to give all players a chance. 

“I don’t believe in big name players, everyone in my team has to work hard to prove himself,” he said. He also thanked GU for giving him a chance to coach at the highest level, adding that he would give supporters something to smile about. ends

GU’s new signees were also unveiled and they are defender Thabiso Khunwane, striker Tendai Nyamadzawo and goalkeeper Phillip Nhete, midfielder Abednico Powell and another midfielder Moreetsi Simanyana. ENDS