UMB Speed Stars recorded an emphatic 6-2 victory over the Black Stars Legends in a friendly match played at the Adjiringano Astro Turf.

The game, organised by Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), brought together former Ghana internationals and football personalities for an entertaining exhibition match.

The event comes as UMB deepens its involvement in Ghana football, with the bank now serving as the headline sponsor of the Ghana Division One League.

The Black Stars Legends featured several former national team stars, including Sammy Agyei, Fatawu Dauda, Yaw Preko, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Daniel Opare and former Ghana international striker Abdul Majid Waris.

Speaking at the event, UMB Managing Director Dr Philip Oti-Mensah reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting sports development in Ghana.

“UMB has been around since 1972. Ghanaians trust us as a reliable bank, and we know that Ghanaians are passionate about football. So, we want to reward Ghanaians by investing in what they are passionate about.”

He said the sponsorship also offers the bank an opportunity to strengthen its brand visibility and connect with football fans.

“Of course, there will be brand benefits because anytime the Black Stars or the GFA is mentioned, UMB is associated with them. That is why we are investing, and so far, the returns have been good.

“The top-of-mind awareness we are getting from this is immeasurable.”

Dr Oti-Mensah also highlighted the importance of financial literacy among footballers, saying UMB has introduced initiatives to help players manage their finances and plan for life after football.

“Part of the partnership or sponsorship package is what we call financial literacy education. Usually, when footballers leave the game and come home, they are unable to manage their resources well. So, we have already started.”

He said the bank is working directly with players to improve their financial management skills.

“We travel with them, train them and show them how to manage their resources. We open accounts for them and teach them how to invest.”

He described financial education as a key component of the partnership, stressing the need for footballers to make informed financial decisions.

“For me, that is the biggest pillar of this partnership. Footballers need to manage their resources well. They earn a lot, and how would they manage it without a reliable financial partner like UMB?”

The Ghana Football Association welcomed UMB’s growing involvement in football, noting that corporate partnerships are important to strengthening the game and creating sustainable opportunities across the football ecosystem.