MUKURU: UK money transfer company blasted over decision to sponsor Crystal Palace, Malawi team

ZIMBABWEANS took to social media to express their displeasure at the decision by Mukuru to be the shirt sleeve sponsor of English Premier League side, Crystal Palace.

Mukuru is an international money transfer agency founded by Zimbabwean Rob Burrell.

Founded in 2004, the UK-headquartered company is now one of the largest money transfer providers in Africa with more than 10 million customers.

A number of Zimbabweans flooded Twitter to announce their displeasure with one trojanwarriorzw posting on @unclezy_zw saying “ . . . Mukuru charity begins at home.”

Lisha Ncube who uses the Twitter handle @lisah_ncube wrote: “ . . . we understand marketing is a game of numbers but Whawha might have been very grateful with 10% of what you are giving Crystal Palace.”

Another twitter user @sergiomajor10 was of the view that “Mukuru targets a diaspora market, and people in the diaspora watch Crystal Palace, they don’t watch Dynamos and CAPS United, so they did what they thought can enhance their business model. Businesses are there to make profitable decisions, it’s not a charity or an NGO”

Mukuru also struck a naming rights deal for the Malawi Super League Team, The Mighty Wanderers FC, and a sponsorship arrangement with Springbok legend Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira.

Andy Jury the CEO of Mukuru said, “Mukuru is a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do.

Our essence and passion lie in helping to solve problems for Africa’s emerging consumers through financial inclusion and uniting people across the world. This passion drives the way we do business, the way we communicate with our customers and the way we choose partnerships.

“Soccer is the most supported sport on the African continent, uniting people globally, and our customers identified Crystal Palace as one of the teams they support.

“A team with several African players and an iconic coach with strong African heritage in Patrick Viera who our Mukuru customers look up to and resonate with.

We are excited to be associated with Crystal Palace, a well-respected and prestigious Premier League team. The sponsorship places Mukuru on an international stage, further entrenching our global presence, operating in over 50 countries around the world.”

Palace are coached by Senegal-born Patrick Vieira who has several African stars in his team.

Barry Webber, the Commercial Director at Crystal Palace said: “This is a really exciting partnership for Crystal Palace, and we’re thrilled to welcome Mukuru on board.

“As a club, we are incredibly proud of our links with the African continent, which were encapsulated by midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate winning the African Cup of Nations earlier this year. This partnership will help us to continue to expand our international fan-base, and Mukuru joins us at a fantastically exciting time for the club, both on the pitch and off of it.”

BMETRO