Heading into last weekend’s first matches of the Championship Series (a knockout competition following the completion of the league), the clubs were given the second instalment of the Telekom S-League grants from SIFF which totalled SBD $160,000, each of the clubs receiving $20,000.
In addition to this, the clubs were also presented with $5,700 each from the profits gathered from the gate-takings from round two of the Telekom S-League.
After the first round of the S-League was completed, the clubs were also given $20,000 each in grants from SIFF, as well as a percentage of the gate-takings, a similar figure to that handed over last week.
These funds helped the clubs meet some of the costs for round two of the S-League and a certain number of clubs have chosen to offset this money against their registration fees.
The latest payouts bring the total in grants and revenue share given to the clubs since the S-League started to $434,000, a figure that does not include the prize money on offer in the competition.
A further payout is expected at the end of the season.
SIFF general secretary Eddie Ngava says the grants underline the commitment of the federation to the S-League and the maintenance of a high-standard national club competition.
“This is a very big financial commitment from SIFF to the clubs,” he says. “It is unique in the sense that SIFF has the ability and will to make this happen. Our commitment to helping our clubs is unparalleled in the region and all this is done in the interest of the development of our clubs, players and coaches.”
Rex Masuaku, coach of the Hana club, is grateful for the ongoing support of SIFF.
“Running a club is not a cheap exercise as there are many costs involved,” he says.
“Hence, SIFF’s vision in supporting the clubs by way of the grants and gate-takings is more than welcome for us. Most of the clubs in the competition are not well off and this sort of funding is enabling them to meet their commitment in the S-League, which is good for everyone.”
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