Momentum Gets Title Sponsorship Rights for South African One Day Cricket

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday announced financial services group Momentum as the official single-title sponsor of all one-day events under its control.

The deal gives Momentum full sponsorships rights of One-Day International (ODI) cricket as well as One-Day Domestic events, adiposity both at franchise and affiliate level over the next six years.

The sponsorship also includes a boost for ongoing development at provincial level with support of the National Club Championships included in the deal.  

The Momentum sponsorship kicks off with The Proteas’ tour to the UK in July, 2012.  Momentum has secured the broadcast rights to the five ODIs of the UK tour.  Later in the South African season of 2012/13 Momentum will host the three ODI events of the New Zealand tour to South Africa in January 2013 followed by the five ODIs against Pakistan in March 2013.  

The 50-overs domestic competition, involving the six professional franchises, will start in November.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Momentum to the family of South African cricket as one of our major sponsors,” commented CSA Acting CEO Jacques Faul. “Momentum has committed itself to a long-term agreement and we are grateful for the confidence they have shown in our organisation.

“I am very confident that this new ODI partnership will play a significant role in our ultimate objective in this format of finally bringing the ICC World Cup back to our trophy shelf in 2015.

“This support will enable us to achieve our vision of making cricket a truly national sport and South Africa a nation of winners.”

Nicolaas Kruger, CEO of MMI Holdings, the parent company of Metropolitan and Momentum, said: “Momentum is delighted to have secured this sponsorship deal.  We are pleased that we have had a meeting of minds on the way forward for cricket in South Africa. 

“With regard to the necessity to improve future governance issues, Momentum is satisfied with both the contractual assurances, as well as governance improvements that have been implemented by CSA.  We see this investment as a solid business proposition for the Group and a way to align and extend our brand awareness to a broader audience.

“As an integrated financial services company that counts on innovative solutions to contribute to the financial wellness of all our clients, Momentum is confident that we are aligned with all cricket supporters.  Our support of cricket represents an amazing opportunity to build Momentum as a strong consumer brand in the eye of a wider audience. Cricket represents a growing and diverse fan base. Once the ODI and the Domestic 1-Day Cup get underway later this year we hope that supporters will enjoy matches on TV or bring their families to events for a great day out.”