Kwale based Australian mining firm Base Titanium has announced a new partnership with SS ASSAD Football Club, for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF National Super League 2023-2024 season).
Base Titanium owns and manages Kwale Sand Operations, a high-grade mineral sands mine which commenced production in 2013.
The Kwale Operation features a high grade ore body with a high value mineral assemblage, rich in rutile, ilmenite and zircon which are all considered critical minerals.
The mining company through the partnership will be sponsoring the Sea Lions of Ukunda that plays under the brand name SS ASSAD, the only team in Kwale County playing at the national level.
This sponsorship and partnership is coming at a time when many local clubs in the coastal county are struggling to stay afloat as a result of poor funding.
“Our sponsorship is so much more than just football it is about supporting the youth, helping them achieve their dreams of playing top flight football, while celebrating their talent and ingenuity,” said Dr. Melba Wasunna, the External Affairs manager at Base Titanium Limited.
During the sponsorship announcement, Base Titanium also pledged a Sh3 million donation to the team.
SS ASSAD football club has received the sponsorship deal from Base Titanium company which will cater for kit sponsorship, stadium revamping and player education among others.
Dr. Wasunna says the mining firm is excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community and change the lives of the people of Kwale.
She says Base Titanium will continue collaborating with stakeholders particularly the county government of Kwale in supporting the SS ASSAD Football Club.
“Through our dedicated support SS Assad has now been registering impressive results in the National Super League because the players are now motivated,” she said.
The top mining official says the sponsorship deal signals more than just financial aid but symbolizes a mutual dedication to growth, innovation and the pursuit of greatness and Base Titanium’s involvement in local sporting activities.
She says Base Titanium has seen a lot of potential in the benefiting club hence the decision to extend a hand of partnership.
Dr. Wasunna says the partnership will be able to add value to local players and provide them with the necessary environment and increase their chances of becoming professional soccer players.
Addressing the players and team officials, area Deputy Governor DG Chirema Kombo assured them that the devolved government is committed to supporting all initiatives aimed at nurturing youth talents.
The DG Kombo also urged all stakeholders to join hands in efforts to build a local brand of the team that will attract a large fan base.
“If SS Assad builds a strong and supportive fan base, it will easily raise funds through the sale of team merchandise such as jerseys,” he said.
He also challenged the management of SS Assad to work with the County Department of Social Services and Talent Management to form a company so that they can easily access government and private sector procurement opportunities.
The DG says local clubs should operate as businesses and strive to attract more fans to maximize on gate takings to generate more income.
“I also call upon all Kwale county residents to support SS ASSAD because it is representing our county in the National Super League,” he said, adding that Kwale was a potential sporting powerhouse.
Kombo says the sponsorship from the mining company is a morale booster for the local clubs who have a vision for success which is to be among the best model football clubs in the country.
Speaking at the same event, Rajab Zamani who is the Club Administrator at SS Assad thanked the county government of Kwale and Base Titanium for supporting the team.
Rajab stated that through this support, SS Assad has produced many players who are now playing for other clubs that play in the Kenya Premier League, Kenya’s top soccer division.
The football administrator says he hopes the relationship between Base Titanium and his club will continue to grow from strength to strength.
“This sponsorship from Base Titanium will go a long way as it will alleviate the financial burden on us and also motivate our players and boost their morale in winning local and national leagues,” he said.
By Hussein Abdullahi
