HARARE – Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Farai Jere has promised football fans an exciting season after traditional sponsors, Delta Beverages on Thursday announced a US$1.3 million league sponsorship deal.

The conclusion of sponsorship talks clears the way for the long-awaited resumption of domestic football after a year of Covid-enforced hiatus.

Delta Beverages will sponsor the local league for three years, as well as bankroll two knockout cup competitions: the Chibuku Super Cup and the Castle Challenge Cup.

The Chibuku Super Cup, with a sponsorship package of US$375 000, will be the forerunner for the league with matches set to kick-off on May 22. The Castle Challenge Cup will be played in the middle of the season and has a total sponsorship of US$55,000.

“Thank you Delta for being with us, for being there all the time. It’s quite a huge sponsorship and we are very grateful,” Jere said at a ceremony in Harare on Thursday.

The Caps United owner said it was a huge relief to return to action after Covid-19 restrictions since March last year.

“It feels good to resume football which was disturbed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The impact of the virus cannot be downplayed across the world. We only had one match in March last year before we were affected by the restrictions,” Jere said.

“While we have been given the greenlight to resume competitions, it is important that we adjust to the new normal and in a safe manner. I can promise football stakeholders that 2021 will be an exciting year,” added Jere.

Delta Corporation 2021 Sponsorship

US$1,130 000 each year for three seasons

Premier League: US$700 000

Chibuku: US$375 000

Castle Challenge Cup: US$55 000

Chibuku Super Cup (22 May – 31 July)

40 Matches up to the Final:
Group 1 – Harare
Venue: National Sports Stadium
6 teams
Teams: Dynamos, CAPS United, Herentals, Harare City, ZPC Kariba and Yadah FC

Group 2 – Bulawayo
Venue: Barbourfields
4 teams
Teams: Highlanders, Chicken Inn, Bulawayo Chiefs, Bulawayo City

Group 3 – Mutare
Venue: Sakubva
4 teams
Teams: Manica Diamonds, Tenax, Black Rhinos, Cranbourne Bullets

Group 4 – Zvishavane
Venue: Mandava
4 teams
Teams: FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum, Triangle, Whawha

Quarter Finals:

Winner Group 1 vs Runner Up Group 3

Winner Group 3 vs Runner Up Group 1

Winner Group 2 vs Runner Up Group 4

Winner Group 4 vs Runner Up Group 2

Semi Final Draw To Follow