Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

WITH THE Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association's (KSAFA) Super, Major and Syd Bartlett leagues set to kick off in two days time, Stewart Stephenson, president of the association, has thrown out a challenge for clubs to endeavour to be professional in their approach to the game.

Keeping sponsors

In light of new sponsors Victoria Mutual pumping $2.55 million into this year's competitions, Stephenson stressed teams bear in mind that the only way to sustain corporate interest was by playing disciplined and attractive football.

"We must always be aware that we have corporate sponsors whose image can be tarnished when incidence of indiscipline and violence occur," Stephenson said at the leagues' launch at the Pollyanna restaurant in Kingston earlier this week.

"The charge to coaches, clubs and their managers this season is to keep that in mind. Remember that the sport is also about character building and is governed by a code of discipline," he said.

In addition to the more than $2.5 million of sponsorship, which will cover prize money, referees' fees and administrative expenses, the organisation has managed to attract an associate sponsor - Sports Gear Limited - which will donate five match balls to the 36 teams taking part in the competition at a cost of about $360,000.

With the total sponsorship package for all three leagues expected to total $3.11 million, KSAFA will have to find another $200,000.

The winners of this year's Super League competition will receive $300,000 with $150,000 going to the runners-up. The third-place team will get $100,000.

The Major League winners will take home $150,000, second $100,000 and third $70,000. For Syd Bartlett, it will be $80,000 for the winners, $60,000 for the runners-up and $50,000 going to third-place winners.