Kano Pillars have secured a major commercial boost after agreeing a three-year shirt sponsorship deal with Rafa Corporation, the makers of the fast-rising Rafa Detergents brand. The partnership was unveiled in Kano under the banner "Together for a Stronger Tomorrow", with three new official club jerseys carrying the Rafa logo presented to the public for the first time.
The agreement was signed by Alhaji Kabiru Rabiu, Chairman of Rafa Corporation and Group Executive Director of BUA Group, alongside Alhaji Ahmed Musbahu Garo, Chairman of the Kano Pillars Board of Directors. Beyond the shirt branding, Rafa has also announced plans to set up a football academy, a move that ties directly into the club's long-held identity as a breeding ground for young Nigerian talent.
For Sai Masu Gida fans, this deal represents more than just a new badge on the jersey. It signals renewed financial backing for a club that has always prided itself on its massive following across Kano and beyond. Rabiu noted that for many people born in Kano, loyalty to Pillars starts from childhood and never fades, which was part of what drew Rafa to the club. "We are very excited to form this partnership with Kano Pillars," he said.
Rabiu also linked the new deal to BUA Group's earlier support for the club back in 2013, describing the fresh agreement as building on that old relationship rather than starting from scratch. He praised Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his continued backing of the club and his broader push for youth and human capital development in the state.
Chairman Garo welcomed the sponsorship as one of the biggest achievements of his time at the helm of the club, pointing to it as a crucial step toward Kano Pillars standing on firmer financial footing. "We are very happy with this partnership as the State Government encourages Kano Pillars to be financially self-..." he said, highlighting the club's push toward greater independence from public funding.
The timing of the sponsorship announcement comes at a period when Kano Pillars will want every ounce of extra support, having drawn four of their last five league matches, including a goalless stalemate at home to Enyimba and a 1-1 share of the spoils against Sporting Lagos on Matchday 7. The Sai Masu Gida will be hoping the new partnership translates into fresh energy as they travel to face Shooting Stars away on Matchday 3, a fixture that still stands before them on the calendar despite the numbering mix-up in the schedule.