Football leagues score with new sponsor (Video)

Budweiser SA announced their sponsorship of two big football leagues, English Premier League (EPL) and Spanish La Liga, at Huddle Park Golf Course in Linksfield on August 5.

The main focus of the sponsorship was to bring fans closer to their international football heroes.

This will be achieved through a series of fan engagement programmes, such as exclusive viewing parties, limited edition packaging showcasing iconic league trophies and more.

At the launch, fans got to play six-a-side football matches with their favourite players and celebrities.

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Michael Essien, along with renowned South African football players Kagisho Dikgacoi, Aaron Mokoena, Tokelo Rantie, Nasief Morris and Tsepo Masilela, endorsed the sponsorship through the Be a King campaign.

The players also showed off their skills as they played matches with fans.

Experiences of playing in the EPL and La Liga as African footballers from the footballers gave fans some insight into their lives.

Mokoena said he felt amazing when he saw his contract from Blackman Rovers, in pounds.

“I was coming from the dusty streets of the Vaal to the UK, it felt amazing.”

All the players attested to getting support from each other when they moved into the big leagues.

Dikgacoi said he sought advice from Mokoena about his contract.

According to the shy Masilela, Dikgacoi was there for him when he made his big move to play abroad.

Budweiser SA marketing manager Thomas Lawrence said they look forward to connecting South African football enthusiasts with the EPL and La Liga.

Among the football stars were DJ Speedsta and DJ Milkshake, who played their hearts out with fans on the day.

“Football fans are challenged to be kings in every aspect of their lives,” said Lawrence.

Join the conversation and be your own king.

For more information on the upcoming fan engagements follow @BudweiserSA on social media.