Johannesburg: On the size of it a R54-million sponsorship spread over seven years may not seem such a big deal, but when you consider that the same sponsor has splashed out more than R100-million in recent weeks then it is time to take notice.

Better known for their logo ``The Better Connection'' MTN yesterday announced the single biggest sponsorship which is to ploughed into the United Cricket Boards development programme. They recently became joint sponsors with SAB in a five year deal concerning sponsoring the South African Test team which is worth R51-million.

The South African cellular companys announcement yesterday now makes them the largest sponsor of the game in the country and by targeting the development programme areas has linked firmly with the UCBs transformation process.

As Ali Bacher, managing-director of the UCB, pointed out yesterday the sponsorship has been in place for the past 18 months with selected schools designated ``cricket schools'' under the scheme and with the co-operation of the board?s 11 provincial bodes.

At least 207 schools throughout the country are to benefit, according to their needs, over this season for the sponsorship of schools and development projects. Included is the creation of new facilities, the refurbishment of pitches as well as provision for equipment, coaches and transport.

The union allocations for this season are R550 000, split into R200 000 to run the schools programme and R350 000 for development allocation while and R50000 is to go to each country districts controlled area. Bob Reynolds, the sponsoring company?s sales and marketing executive, said his company?s philosophy was designed to work toward minimising differences between groups and ensure that ``all cricketers of the future have level playing fields''.

The cellular company announced a bursary programme as part of the sponsorship in which 82 boys are being educated at selected schools while a mentoring programme had also been included as part of the sponsorship.

The Northerns allocation of R350000 for approved sponsorship has been put into the Northern Province?s indoor facility in Duiwelskloof, which also includes a further R55000 for the building of a second field.

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