StarBet Signs Landmark Sponsorship Deal with Paynesville FC

PAYNESVILLE – In a move being hailed as a significant investment in youth development, sports, and corporate social responsibility, StarBet Liberia has signed a sponsorship agreement with Paynesville Football Club, pledging financial support while emphasizing its long-term commitment to giving back to communities through sports.

The sponsorship agreement, signed at Paynesville City Hall in the presence of city officials, executives of Paynesville FC, and representatives of StarBet Liberia.

The ceremony brought together Paynesville City Mayor Robert L. Bestman, City Manager J. Masiwe Binda, Communications Director Jeremiah Dijon, Paynesville FC President Hilary P. Sackie, and StarBet Liberia Country Manager Brian Nkuru.

Speaking during the ceremony, Paynesville FC President Hilary Sackie described the agreement as a historic milestone for the club, which was established in 2013 and proudly carries the name of Liberia’s largest city.

According to Sackie, the club had long sought a formal working relationship with the Paynesville City Corporation, but those efforts only came to fruition under the current city administration.

He praised Mayor Bestman for embracing the football club as the official team of the city and for providing consistent financial and institutional support over the past year.

Sackie explained that because the club is now officially recognized as the city’s football team, management considered it appropriate to formally execute the sponsorship agreement at City Hall as a sign of respect to the municipal government and its residents.

He noted that discussions between the club and StarBet lasted several months, during which proposals were exchanged before both parties reached an agreement that would provide much-needed financial stability for the team.

“This is only the beginning,” Sackie said. “We believe this partnership will grow stronger over time and create more opportunities for both the club and our supporters.”

For his part Star Bet Country Manager Brian Nkuru said the company views sports as one of the most effective ways of transforming communities and empowering young people.

He explained that StarBet believes businesses operating in Liberia have a responsibility to contribute positively to society, and investing in sports represents one of the most impactful ways to fulfill that obligation.

According to Nkuru, football teaches young people teamwork, discipline, leadership, resilience, and healthy competition while creating pathways toward employment and professional careers.

He said sporting activities also strengthen communities by bringing citizens together around a common cause.

“Whenever Paynesville FC plays, people across the city unite behind one team,” Nkuru noted. “That sense of unity and community is exactly what we believe in as a company.”

He added that after several discussions with the club’s leadership, StarBet concluded that Paynesville FC shared similar values of community service and development, making it an ideal partner.

Nkuru stressed that the agreement represents only the beginning of the company’s broader corporate social responsibility initiatives in Liberia.

“This is not just about football,” he emphasized. “We intend to expand our support into other areas that benefit communities. Paynesville FC has given us an excellent platform to begin building meaningful relationships with the people of Paynesville.”

The partnership also highlights the evolving role of betting companies in contributing to national development through corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Across Africa and beyond, gaming companies increasingly invest in education, sports, healthcare, youth empowerment, and community development programs as part of their social commitments.

Industry experts note that responsible corporate investments can help improve sporting infrastructure, create opportunities for talented young athletes, reduce youth idleness, and stimulate local economic activity through football.

For Paynesville FC, the sponsorship is expected to strengthen the club’s operational capacity, improve player welfare, support training activities, and enhance preparations for domestic competitions.

Sports administrators believe partnerships between private companies and football clubs can reduce financial pressures on teams while promoting sustainable sports development.

Mayor Robert Bestman welcomed StarBet’s investment, describing it as a vote of confidence in the city and its people.

He encouraged other businesses operating in Paynesville to emulate StarBet by investing in community initiatives that directly benefit residents.

Bestman described Paynesville as Liberia’s most populated city and the gateway to the nation’s capital, noting that nearly everyone entering Monrovia passes through the municipality.

He stressed that businesses operating in Paynesville should see themselves as partners in the city’s development.

“We want businesses to know that Paynesville is a city that supports those who support our people,” the Mayor declared.

Drawing comparisons with globally recognized football cities such as Manchester and Madrid, Bestman said successful cities proudly promote their football clubs because sports help build civic identity and community pride.

“This is our own city team,” he said. “Just as Manchester is known for Manchester City and Madrid is known for Real Madrid, Paynesville FC represents the people of Paynesville.”

In a significant announcement, Mayor Bestman revealed that companies supporting Paynesville FC would receive support from the city government in return.

He disclosed that StarBet would benefit from free advertising opportunities within the municipality, allowing the company to redirect advertising expenses toward supporting the football club.

“As long as you continue supporting our football team, the city will support your business,” the Mayor said.

He further pledged that businesses partnering with city-backed initiatives would enjoy cooperation from the Paynesville City Corporation, adding that municipal authorities stand ready to facilitate their operations wherever possible.

The Mayor also called on other corporate institutions to follow StarBet’s example by investing in sports and community development.

Following the speeches, officials conducted a symbolic signing ceremony and posed for photographs to commemorate the beginning of what both parties described as a long-term partnership.

For Paynesville FC supporters, the agreement represents more than financial assistance—it signals growing confidence from the private sector in Liberian football.

For StarBet Liberia, the partnership marks the beginning of a broader corporate social responsibility agenda aimed at using sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and sustainable community development.

The collaboration also demonstrates how partnerships between local governments, private companies, and community sports organizations can create shared value by promoting athletic excellence while strengthening the social and economic fabric of Liberia’s largest city.