From left: Alison Schembri, Brand Executive for Gatorade, Magistrate Antonio Mizzi, MBA President and Frank Camilleri, MBA General Secretary

Gatorade is the main and title sponsor of the Malta Basketball Association (MBA) Senior Men League for this season 2006/2007.

MBA President Magistrate Antonio Mizzi made this announcement during a media conference held at the Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion. Magistrate Mizzi announced that the Gatorade Senior Men League 2006/2007 is being run on a new and improved system.

He said: “Beginning this season, we are introducing new changes in line with the Association’s policy of updating the competition structures from time to time to create further interest in the senior basketball competitions.  We would like to thank Simonds Farsons Cisk for its longstanding support to the MBA and basketball through the sponsorship with Kinnie.” He augured that the new league sponsor, Gatorade, will help both entities to develop further.

The Gatorade Senior Men League started two weeks ago and will run until May next year. All games will be played at Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion.

“This sponsorship is the perfect opportunity for Gatorade, a sports brand that is associated worldwide with all types of sports to reach our customers. Gatorade will also serve to rehydrate, replenish and refuel the players during the games,” said Alison Schembri, Brand Executive for Gatorade, Farsons (Sales & Marketing) Ltd.  “Farsons looks forward to continue a rewarding relationship with MBA.”

The new system will be set in three phases. In Phase One all men’s teams will play against each other on a two round system. In Phase Two the first, second and third placed teams will play against each other on a two round system – Championship Pool. Fourth, fifth and sixth placed teams will play each other on a two round system – Relegation Pool. Only the points (not baskets) will be carried forward from Phase One. The points in this phase will be awarded as follows: two (2) points will be awarded for a win and zero (0) points for a lost game. Last placed team in the Relegation Pool will be relegated to Division Two in the next season 2007/2008.

Phase Three will see the first and second placed teams from Phase Two, who will play against each other on a best out of three games. Winner of Phase Three will be declared Champion for Season 2006 – 2007.

Gatorade is imported by Wands Limited, a subsidiary of the Farsons Group of Companies.