Members of Marriot international travel programme, Marriot Bonvoy, will get front row seats to all Buccaneer action
Nie Cele
IT’S OFFICIAL!!! One of Mzansi’s oldest Football Club
Orlando Pirates FC has struck an exclusive lucrative multi –year partnership deal with Marriott Bonvoy as their certified accommodation partner everywhere the club travels.
In a nutshell this multinational award winning company will be responsible for accommodation needs of the Buccaneers.
Furthermore Ex Orlando Pirates player and Television pundit, Phumudzo Manenzhe was revealed as the Official Ambassador of Marriott Bonvoy.
Manezhe with a successful football career including a stint at the Bucs, is expected to provide Marriott Bonvoy members with unique insights into the inner workings of the team and offer valuable strategic opinions on upcoming fixtures both online through a series of filmed opinion pieces, and face-to-face at member exclusive events.
The partnership deal was revealed to a packed media at one of their hotel in Melrose Arch Johannesburg.
The blue chip company also told the media, the partnership will offer fans incredible opportunities to experience football in South Africa at a whole new level through unrivalled and exclusive access.
“ Marriott International’s award-winning travel programme, is proud to announce its exclusive multi-year partnership to become the official accommodation partner of Orlando Pirates Football Club,” Read a terse statement.
Neal Jones, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, EMEA, Marriott International is on record giving the partnership deal thumbs up.
‘’Orlando Pirates is one of South Africa’s biggest sporting brands and together, we look forward to creating some unforgettable moments for Marriott Bonvoy members, inspired by the thrill and excitement Pirates games.
“The partnership with Pirates is an exciting opportunity for us to provide Marriott Bonvoy members and football enthusiasts with VIP access and money-can’t-buy experiences,” He said.
Thandi Merafe, Bucs Media Liason Officer was on cloud nine and couldn’t contain her joy.
“I ve been with the club for 10 years. All I ve known is Marriot Bonvoy taking care of the club. The special partnership developed over a long period of time.
“After all the difficult times the club encounters when travelling to other countries one thing that grounds Pirates is the presence of Marriot which provides five star accommodation, quality food and a healthy diet,” She said.
Sean Maher, Market Vice President South Africa told this publication on the sidelines the partnership was a case of two big famous brands coming together under one umbrella.
“This is a start of a new strategy to benefit local partners.”
John Clayman, Director, Partnerships at Marriot International told the audience the company had 30 big brands and 170 million members globally.
“We believe in authentic partnerships. There is a lot of shared values between us and Pirates and our members are very important to us.”
“We are very excited as a Club to be associated with such an iconic worldwide travel programme that is Marriott Bonvoy. Orlando Pirates is proud to become Marriott Bonvoy’s first sports Club partner on the African continent, and to be joining a list of renowned sports brands that are already associated with programme. We will strive to unlock some great experiences for the Orlando Pirates fans throughout this relationship,’’ said Joseph Bertrand, Brand and Sponsorship Manager, Orlando Pirates Football Club
DID YOU KNOW?
- Since their formation in 1937, Orlando Pirates have been a fixture in the history and heart of the South African sporting landscape.
- Brought to life through this partnership, Pirates fans can experience their team and community through unique and shared opportunities.
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- Marriott Bonvoy members and Orlando Pirates fans who follow the Buccaneers by attending their games across the countrywill be rewarded with access to exclusive hotel offers.
- Through this partnership, Marriott Bonvoy memberswill have the opportunity to experience South African football like never before with rewards such as grandstand seats, VIP suite access and extraordinary content, as well as with money-can’t-buy experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments.
