Local information and communications technology (ICT) company Sahara Computers has secured a four-year contract with the United Cricket Board (UCB), incorporating its commercial arm Cricket South Africa, and the South African national cricket team (the Proteas), to supply a range of hardware and software products.
The deal positions Sahara Computers as the exclusive IT hardware supplier and also secures funds earmarked for the official Players Trust. As such all cricket provincial unions stand to benefit from the multimillion-rand deal by improving their IT infrastructure, thereby enabling them to be more efficient in their administration and ticketing, among others.
Steve Elworthy, commercial manager at Cricket South Africa, says the agreement is a natural step forward in the development of the relationship between Sahara Computers and South African cricket.
"Sahara Computers has existing commercial contracts in place with players in their private capacity. The UCB and Cricket South Africa required an IT partner for its existing infrastructure and Sahara is the perfect fit. In terms of its commercial value, Sahara and national squad members are in a position to fully leverage off official cricket branding in advertising and other marketing initiatives and this bodes well for the overall growth and development of the game," says Elworthy.
Atul Gupta, MD at Sahara Computers, says: "We are very excited to secure this contract to supply South African cricket with the necessary ICT equipment and infrastructure. The company is passionate about IT and cricket and our focal point has always been to make available reliable, affordable technology.
"This opportunity adds depth to our existing involvement in provincial and national cricket and we look forward to many years of contribution towards the development of players, resources and the sport in general," he adds.
Share
Established in 1997, Sahara Computers assembles and markets PCs and peripherals through a global distribution network that covers both established and emerging markets. The company is based in Midrand, South Africa and is the official distributor and original equipment manufacturer for a variety of top international vendors including: AMD, Creative, Delta, Epson, Intel, Lexmark, Maxtor, Microsoft, MSI, Samsung, SMC Networks and Symantec.
An accredited member of the Proudly South African campaign and SAVANT international brand awareness initiative, the Sahara business network stretches across South Africa to include Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. The company has established presence in key African countries like Kenya and Botswana, and is focused on an aggressive strategy to expand into this growing market. For more information on Sahara Computers, its products and services, visit www.sahara.co.za.
Editorial contacts