Saints have announced a multi-million pound deal with Africa's biggest betting company SportPesa.

SportPesa have signed a three-year deal with Saints ahead of the start of the 2016/17 campaign.

SportPesa, who are currently the title sponsor of Kenya’s top-tier football competition, were incepted in 2014.

A statement from the club said: "Much like Saints, SportPesa is focused on turning potential into excellence, taking huge strides already in developing grassroots football in Kenya with the aim of the Kenyan national team qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

"The deal will see Saints supporting the development of young football players in Kenya by sending Football Development & Support staff to the African nation, with young Kenyan players visiting the club’s Staplewood Campus to experience the demands of football development at a Premier League club. SportPesa are committed to supporting the development of the game in Kenya both on and off the pitch and the club will offer advice and mentoring support across a range of business areas to include; stadium operations, marketing, media & business management.

"The partnership is another example of how Saints will continue to look at authentic ways to make a difference through sharing the Southampton Way philosophy throughout the world."

Gareth Rogers, Southampton FC’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to have teamed up with SportPesa in what is by far our biggest partnership in this sector in the club’s history, and one of our largest partnership deals to date.

“This partnership will allow the club to continue to build its partner portfolio for commercial success on an international scale. Our reputation for player development continues to resonate around the world and we look forward to sharing our unique philosophy in Kenya and across Africa.”

Ronald Karauri, SportPesa CEO, added: “We are grounded to our core values that centre around grassroots sport and community development. Our vision is for Kenya to participate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and this partnership is a step in that direction.

“We look forward to welcoming Saints Football Development & Support staff to Kenya as well as the opportunity to send our young players to the club’s Staplewood Campus to learn the demands of football development.”

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