The inspiring performanceRangers International FC of Enugu in the on-going 2012 Nigeria Premier League season, has received a boost as an Abuja based indigenous sports marketing firm, “AlanSmith Nigeria limited ”, signed a three year  kitting franchise contract with the club side.

With the endorsement of the deal which cost was not disclosed, the company, would henceforth take full responsibilities of the club’s kiting during their  home and away matches, including cladding in complete suits as obtained in European football clubs.

Speaking yesterday during the formal endorsement of the deal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium Enugu, facilitator of the deal and chairman of Enugu state Football Association, {FA}Hon. Chidi  Offo Okenwa, who expressed joy with  the  development, noted that it was the first time an indigenous sports marketing  firm would be identifying with the Flying Antelopes in that regard.

Okenwa, however, expressed optimism that the new 'marriage' would definitely take the Enugu club side currently occupying the 2nd position in the nation’s  league table to the next level.

In his brief speech at the event, Alan Smith Director, Mr. Bolaji Jimoh Akeem, explained that the idea was part of the company’s commitment in promoting local clubs in the country, adding that “Alan smith is a  sports marketing firm committed to taking football clubs including Rangers International of Enugu to the higher heights”.

According to him, the organization would henceforth,do every thing within its powers to collaborate with Rangers management in ensuring that the Premier club  attains high standard like  their counterparts in developed countries especiallys Europe.

With the sealed deal, Rangers players are henceforth to clad in complete suits, jersies and track suits branded Alan Smith during all their matches both home and away.

Speaking at the ceremony, which took place inside the state  FA chairman’s office, representative of Rangers International  FC, and marketing Manager of the club, Mr. Emma Ibe,applauded the company for initiating the partnership which he assured ,would yield positive results.

He however,  posited that having been in the business for quite a long time, the club as a body, has no doubt that the new 'marriage' would yield good result, assuring that the   Enugu  state owned club would not be found wanting in the collaboration or relationship .

Meanwhile, a board member of Rangers FC, Chief Alloy Maduka,expressed satisfaction with the current performance of the club in the on-going season, saying the board is determined in sustaining the present tempo, just as he called on its supporters as well as  sports writers in the state and country in general  to always throw their weight behind the club which he said, had been the pride of the Igbo man since after the Nigeria civil war.