Sunderland FC to display Tullow’s “Invest in Africa” initiative on new jersey

English Premier League side Sunderland FC, today June 25, 2012 unveiled its 2012-2013 sports kits and will see an inscription “Invest in Africa” printed in-front of the club’s jersey.

This decision was made when the club sealed a deal with lead Jubilee operator Tullow Oil who has championed the Invest in Africa initiative.

Sunderland said the initiative will become the club’s principal partner ahead of the 2012-13 campaign.

The club announced an initial partnership with Invest in Africa in January 2012, kicking off the ground-breaking not-for-profit initiative that will promote Africa as a leading investment destination and actively challenge misconceptions about investing on the continent.

“A first in British football, the move will see the ‘Invest in Africa’ brand exposed to the Premier League’s staggering worldwide audience of 4.7 billion people from the start of the forthcoming campaign, promoting the continent’s credentials as a key global business destination along with offering companies across the North East and beyond  the opportunity to explore opportunities to do business in Africa,” the Club said in a statement.

Sunderland AFC chairman Ellis Short said: “We are very proud to have augmented our relationship with ‘Invest in Africa’ through this wonderful agreement.

Also commenting on the deal, Chief Executive of Tullow Aidan Heavey who was at the ceremony to unveil the kits said “At Tullow Oil we’ve known for years that Africa is a thriving and great place to do business. But potential foreign investors are still missing out because of outdated perceptions of what it’s like to work in Africa.”

“Ultimately this will make Africa a more stable and attractive place to work, which is in everyone’s interests. Which is why we’re delighted to be partnering with Sunderland AFC who share Invest in Africa’s ambitions and desire to reach a global audience,” Heavey added.

The move further underlines the Black Cats’ affiliation with a continent in which its popularity is growing, with Ghanaian trio Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah and Sulley Muntari, Egypt international Ahmed Elmohamady and the Club’s last season’s Player of the Year, Benin playmaker Stéphane Sessègnon, all wearing the Black Cats’ red and whites stripes since 2009.

By Ekow Quandzie