APS Bomet secure Sh5.5m sponsorship boost

National Super League (NSL) side Administration Police Service (APS) Bomet’s hopes of gaining promotion to the FKF Premier League received a major boost on Tuesday after securing a short-term sponsorship deal with betting firm, White Rabbit (WR) Bet.

The betting company signed a five-month sponsorship agreement worth Sh5.5 million, plus an additional Sh270,000 for team kits.

Speaking during the partnership signing in Nairobi, APS Bomet Club CEO Rose Chemutai expressed her excitement over the deal, stating that it would address the club’s financial challenges.

"This is a first for the club. Our hard work and performance speak for themselves. This financial boost will greatly motivate the boys," said Chemutai, who also serves as a Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) in Bomet County.

Chemutai, the only female member of the club and the sole female CEO in the FKF-NSL, credited the team’s success to the players' positive mentality and the technical bench's dedication.

"Despite the disappointment of earning promotion to the FKF-PL and subsequently being relegated, we rebounded stronger," added Chemutai, who holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nairobi.

APS Bomet, coached by Evans Mafuta, currently sit second in the league standings with 50 points from 24 matches (15 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses), just one point behind league leaders Nairobi United.

WRBet Assistant CEO and Project Manager, Antoinete Barbrah Kawemba, emphasised that their partnership with APS Bomet is not solely focused on betting but also on community development.

"We’re not only targeting gambling and betting but also giving back to the community. We partnered with the club after identifying its strong management and positive impact," said Kawemba. "We also want to build Bomet County."

WRBet Regional Director Vadim Daianov echoed these sentiments, highlighting the long-term vision of the partnership.

"This is my first time in Kenya, and I believe we can build a strong future together. The team has strong support from the police force and the Bomet community. Our objective is to elevate Kenyan sports beyond Africa, strive for a better future, and give back to society through our connections to Kenyan charity funds dedicated to single mothers. Our roadmap is ambitious," said Daianov.

APS Bomet’s new kits, provided by WRBet, are set to be officially unveiled during their upcoming home match against Fortune Sacco on March 30 at Bomet IAAF Stadium.

Despite winning the NSL and earning promotion to the FKF Premier League in the 2021/22 season, APS Bomet were relegated when a caretaker committee took charge of the league during Kenya’s eight-month FIFA ban.

The ban, which was imposed after then-Sports Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohammed disbanded the FKF over alleged misuse of funds, led to an exodus of key players and the team's subsequent relegation to Division One after forfeiting three matches.

However, APS Bomet bounced back last season by securing the Division One League Zone ‘B’ title with a 1-0 victory over Mofa FC, amassing 60 points from 30 matches and earning promotion back to the FKF-NSL.

Club Chairman Dr Bishop Fred Akama believes the financial backing from WRBet will strengthen their title bid and enhance community support.

"The boost makes winning the league likely. Reaching the top tier will unite the Bomet community behind the team, which is supported by the entire Kenyan Police Service Administration. We will be a force to reckon with," said Akama.

Assistant Inspector General of Police Stephen Etyang was also in attendance during the sponsorship unveiling.