Inside AFCON 2013: Sponsors Spotlight
January 22, 2013
Nissan
Nissan is the Official Automotive Partner for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the 2015 event in Morocco.
The automotive group has manufacturing plants in Egypt and South Africa, where this year’s tournament is being held. This new sponsorship deal will further the company’s brand in the African continent, who already sponsor the South African football team, Kaizer Chiefs.
At the time the deal was struck, in December 2012, Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan South Africa said: “Nissan’s association with AFCON, which attracts a large following throughout the continent, provides a powerful platform to build our brand.
“As the automotive partner of the 2013 and 2015 events, we are particularly pleased to be involved in football, a sport that touches the heart of many, and reaches across the continent.”
Since 2011 and the launch of the business plan “Nissan Power 88,” the company has seen sales grow across Africa. Nissan aim for a global market share of 8% and cooperate operating profit of 8% by 2016.
Nissan’s South African subsidiary, Nissan South Africa, is one of the country’s leading automotive original equipment manufacturers. The company’s history dates back almost 50 years to the import and local assembly of completely knocked down vehicles, followed by the production of a number of locally produced vehicles at its manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria. Today the company is among the top five car manufacturers in South Africa.
iSportconnect covered the story which can be read here>>
Samsung
Samsung will once again be providing electronic and telecommunications equipment support to the tournament, continuing since their first involvement back in 2008.
A deal was recently renewed in May 2012, which sees Samsung’s partnership with CAF continue through to 2015.
Samsung have said they aim to “bring the games” to the fans and ensure they can engage and interact with their teams. 28 fan zones will be located in seven African countries this year, including mobile fan zones that will tour the stadiums during the tournament.
As well as being active during the Orange Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, the telecommunications giant will also be involved in the African U-20 Championship.
Standard Bank
Standard Bank pledged their support to African football by signing an eight year deal with the CAF back in 2008. The bank is therefore the Official Banking Sponsor of the 2013 AFCON and will remain so until 2016.
The decision to sign a lengthy contract has coincided with Standard Bank’s ever growing presence in Africa.“It is appropriate that Standard Bank, which has an association with Africa and a heritage that stretches back 150 years, with the largest presence in Africa of any financial institution, should be a key sponsor of African football.” said Jenny Pheiffer, Head of Brand and Sponsorships, Standard Bank.
“We are proud to be able to have a long-standing commitment to CAF which showcases Africa’s accomplishments in the sport through competitions that attract continental and global audiences. This is a major opportunity to connect with our customers, football fans and our employees, in all of the eighteen countries in which we operate, through our shared passion for Africa and African football.”
Standard Bank will also sponsor the Orange Africa U-20 Championship, Orange CAF Confederation Cup and Orange CAF Champions League.
IFD Kapital
IFD Kapital is one of the leading diversified holdings in Russia and has become the first Russian company to support the African Cup of Nations.
They currently invest in oil and gas, banking, financial services, assets and pension funds management, construction, mass media and high tech industries.
IFD Kapital has been involved in football in their home country for many years. They have sponsored Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow for over eight years and were a part of the successful bidding team for the 2018 World Cup.
A statement from IFD, regarding their sponsorship of the AFCON said: “We are proud to have a privilege to be the sponsors of this event. We are pleased to be the first Russian company supporting this game in Africa. Our participation demonstrates not only our devotion to the football game, but also the warm friendship between our countries.”
Nasuba Express
Nasuba Express is another official sponsor of this year’s tournament in South Africa and will also sponsor all major CAF events for the next eight years.
The company, a subsidiary of the LC2 group, deals in money transfer and has seen its profile rise dramatically in Africa and the new sponsorship deal with CAF will increase their viability even more.
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