UMBRO SA and the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) have just finalised a deal whereby UMBRO will be the technical sponsor for all referee kits and off-field apparel for the next 3 seasons. This deal follows similar UMBRO sponsorships in South Africa with Free State Stars, Vasco da Gama and Mpumalanga Black Aces.

“We are so excited about this deal with KPL,” says Sales Manager Donovan Bell who, along with UMBRO MD Mark Byrne, has been working with Frank Okoth, Technical & Logistics Officer from KPL to structure this partnership. “Hosting the FIFA World Cup this year has done wonders to promote African football – and we would like to continue advancing football in Africa – starting off with supplying quality product to the referees”.

This deal will involve kitting out all match officials from KPL in UMBRO’s Football Wardrobe and Teamwear ranges, which have been developed from true football insights to service the needs of active players – both on and off the field.

“UMBRO’s Football Wardrobe range caters for all players from grass roots to professional by providing the essential ‘must have’ items any player would want in his kit bag”, says Bell. “We have selected the Canford CVC cotton tees and Rossal woven suits from the Football Wardrobe range for the referees off-field kit. The use of vibrant, bold primary colours allows for great mix-and-match combinations to highlight the different teams or functions within the KPL.”

The Referee Jersey and Referee Short from the UMBRO Teamwear range will be used for the referees’ on-field kit. These are specifically designed for training and playing football with the polyester performance fabric and strategically placed ventilation paneling.

“The KPL is delighted to be working with the global UMBRO brand that actively develops their ranges to deliver credible and authentic products. This sponsorship of the match officials is the first time they will have uniform, performance equipment. We hope we can build on this relationship with UMBRO,” says an excited Frank Okoth.

Currently the KPL have 64 match officials comprising of 24 referees, 24 assistant referees and 16 match commissioners. All of which will be wearing the UMBRO apparel for all sanctioned KPL games (most of which are broadcast across Africa on Supersport) and other matches they are required to officiate in.

“This is a great opportunity for UMBRO,” says Mark Byrne. “And hopefully the first step to developing the brand across southern Africa, which will enable and equip more players in these countries that have such a passion for football by giving them access to quality performance team wear”.


UMBRO SA is an official licensee of UMBRO Ltd in South Africa, and sponsors some of the major teams such as Mpumalanga Black Aces, Vasco da Gama and Free State Stars.