Lions XII net S$1 million Silkpro sponsorship
By Clarence Chen
The Singapore Lions XII have another reason to cheer just days before their opening match against Kelantan.
The team received an estimated S$1 million sponsorship deal over the next nine months from hair care company SilkPro as part of the company's community service programme for 2012.
"We pick football [this year] not only because it is the most popular sport in Singapore, but also we welcome the long-awaiting return of the Malaysia Cup to our stadium," said Mr Calvin Lee, chief executive officer of SilkPro.
The leading hair care brand will also be giving out more than 200 tickets for the first four matches to involve community groups like HELP family service centre and the Young Women Muslim Association in the M league.
Mr Lim Kia Tong, vice president of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said, "As we enter a new era, it is very heartening to have sponsors to bring the level of interest in football forward."
He added that football is a sport about national bonding among fans.
This is evident from the encouraging ticket sales for the opening match which went on sale on Friday.
Hariss Harun, vice captain of the Singapore Lions XII , said he's happy fans are coming forward to support the Singapore team.
"The Malaysia Cup brings back many good memories for the older generation and that's what they are expecting to see," said Hariss.
With Singapore's debut against defending M-League champions on Tuesday, Harun insists there is no pressure and the team is looking forward and determined to play good consistent football.
"We hope to go all out, do our best and win the first match. This would be the right start to show our fans what we are capable of."
