FNB Varsity Cup chief optimistic over competition’s future after Steinhoff
CRAIGHALL PARK – FNB Varsity Cup chief optimistic after Steinhoff International's sponsorship withdrawal.
With a week to go before the FNB Varsity Cup rugby competition gets underway, a spanner has been thrown into the works as Steinhoff International, second-tier sponsors of the flagship inter-varsity competition, withdrew from their sponsorship deal.
In what is the 11th edition of the Varsity Cup, 16 of the country’s best university teams will continue in their battle for top honours. Chief executive of the FNB Varsity Cup, Duitser Bosman told Rosebank Killarney Gazette that he believed Steinhoff International’s decision to discontinue sponsorship of the competition was justified.
“It must have been a tough decision for Steinhoff International but surely one they had to make in light of the financial pressure on them,” said Bosman.
“When one door closes, another one opens. We’re working with our naming sponsor FNB to make the 2018 FNB Varsity Cup a major success. I have no doubt we will see top-class rugby from SA’s new talent.
“We released a statement early in January assuring everyone that the preparations for the 2018 tournament are at an advanced stage and that we’re working with all our partners to ensure the success of this year’s competition.
“All four competitions in the FNB Varsity Cup tournament will continue as planned, including FNB Varsity Cup, FNB Varsity Shield, FNB Young Guns and FNB Koshuis Rugby.”
Ajee Valentine, head of sponsorships at Steinhoff International would not be drawn to comment on the matter at the time of publication.
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