The club´s President Jibendra Lal Karmachary and General Manager of the bank Sunil KC signed the deal in Kathmandu and the club will henceforth be officially named NMB Bank Machhindra Club. [break]
Speaking during the signing ceremony KC said the bank was looking for a long term partnership with the club. "We are thinking of taking this association from five to 10 years," said KC who also assured of increasing the sponsorship money in the coming years as per the necessity of the club.
NMB bank official (Left) hands over football jersey to Machindra Club football coach (middle) and captain. (Photo: Bijay Rai)
The club, established in 1973, became the 10th A division club to get title sponsor in the current season. As per their policy three departmental teams -- Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepal Army -- and three others -- Three Star, New Road Team (NRT) and Bauddha FC do not have title sponsors. Nepal Telecom however, is the chief sponsor of Police team.
Stating the reason behind choosing the club for sponsorship, KC said, "It is an old club and with a long history. The club not only represents a core community but it´s an emerging side moving ahead with fresh zeal." KC who also handed over the club´s new jersey to skipper Deepak Rai assured of helping the club to sustain in the long run as a financial consultant.
The club´s President Karmacharya said the bank´s support would help the club take strides towards professionalism. "The bank has assured of more support next year. We chose NMB Bank as it has committed long term association despite getting better offers from other corporate houses."
ANFA President Ganesh Thapa opined that football has grabbed the interest of corporate houses due to club´s activities, support from media, ANFA´s program and interest of the people. "The association will help the bank gain mileage and the club will gain financially," Thapa said. Thapa was one of the two witnesses of the signing ceremony. The other witness was the bank´s Chief Operating Officer Pradeep Pradhan.
Machhindra coach, Raju Kaji Shakya said the sponsorship will help boost the confidence of the team.
Machhindra Club whivh struggled to avoid relegation in the last season, has emerged as a strong title contender in the current season. The club is on the top of table with 13 points, same as that of the second placed McDowell´s RCT after playing five matches. Machhindra however, is ahead of RCT on better goal difference and will take on Nepal Army Club in its sixth match on Thursday.
Related story
NMB Bank organizes ‘6th NMB Bank Heritage Walk’
