FOOTBALL is now a marketable commodity, and sponsors play a key role in making the game a vibrant industry on a global scale.
It’s a do-or-die, make or break as sponsors make it happen.
Without them, we are a no-no as it is hard to get things off the ground and kick things into action.
We rely on sponsors to fund operations in the running of the game and therefore we must give credit where it’s due.
As Vancouver prepares to host the Battle of the Giants, we must take a serious look at how we treat/value our sponsors in domestic competitions.
Never before has a tournament secured partnerships like Chaiiwala of London, SNJ Auto Repairs, Metro Express Limited, Pacific Island Cleaners and A&Z Daycare who have invested to help grow the game.
And no better person to promote the tournament than Fiji football legend Abdul Mannan, who took to social media to praise the goodwill of the sponsors and the organizers in hosting the game.
A helping hand needs to be applauded for doing a generous deed.
In a video that is gaining traction on social media, the astute is encouraging fans support for the 2-day football fiesta and the work being put to make the tournament a success.
“This tournament is just not a celebration of football, it is a celebration of the Fijian community,” said Mannan.
“To all the participating team I wish you all the best, play hard, fair and by the rules of the game.”
It’s unfortunate that Mannan ‘got the wrong rub’.
One Salendra Kumar put a racial spin on social media Facebook.
“How come all the names you mention are Muslims just because you are Muslim.”
The legend was only acknowledging those who had sponsored the tournament.
Mannan has always displayed a high moral standard and respects every race and or religion.
Narayan failed to understand the message before repulsing.
He needs to understand that football sponsorship isn’t selective to one denomination, individual[s], people, companies and corporations the world over.
If anything Narayan should have made an effort to listen to the thread in its entirety.
It is part of human nature to show thanks and appreciate an act of human kindness.
While this one comment isn’t the fault of other commentators, we’re duty-bound to condemn bigotry in all forms as football fosters a sense of unity and respect.
The sponsors are the strength and deserve better mileage, treatment and recognition.
And must be complimented for helping, especially in the current demanding circumstances.
