BB, Nomads to feature in IntoSports tourney

Domestic football powerhouses Mighty Wanderers and Big Bullets have clinched a K5 million (about $12 500) deal with a local sports merchandise shop–IntoSports—that will see the two teams meeting twice in a mini-pre-season tournament.

The success of the inaugural IntoSports Giants Cup will lead it to becoming an annual event.

The development follows a joint venture by the two teams aimed at raising funds and campaigning for zero-tolerance for violence and hooliganism.

The two-legged tournament is set to kick off this Sunday when Bullets host Nomads at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre while the return leg is set for the capital next week.

According to IntoSports managing director Shabir Ismail, winners will cart home K3 million (about $7 500) while losers will get K2 million (about $5 000).

“When the two teams approached us for sponsorship, we felt the best way would be to do it through a mini-tournament so that we create excitement and also use it to campaign for zero-tolerance against violence and hooliganism at football matches.

“We have made this gesture bearing in mind that these are the two biggest teams in the land, but sadly, they are struggling financially as they have no sponsors. This is our own little contribution towards their cause,” said Ismail.

He said it is also one way of appreciating the support his business gets from Malawians.

Apart from the prize money, IntoSports will not get a tambala from the gate revenue. The sponsors will also provide a set of uniform to each team as well as the match officials.

“We are also donating a trophy and match balls,” he said.

Ismail said their hope is that the mini-tournament will create a lot of hype leading to a huge-turnout that will translate to more revenue for the two fallen giants.

Outlining details of the tournament during a joint press briefing at Wanderers FC Club, Nomads general secretary David Kanyenda said they hatched the plan to mitigate the financial constraints that the two teams are facing.

“This is an initiative by both clubs to cater for players’ welfare and also meet costs of preparing for next season.

“We, therefore, urge supporters of the two teams to support the cause for the betterment of their teams by patronising the games in large numbers,” said Kanyenda.

He also appealed to other companies and organisations to emulate the example set by IntoSports by responding positively to their proposals.

Kanyenda further said in quest of maximising gate collections, they are planning to ask government to consider waiving the normal 25 percent ground levy. He said they will formalise the process of having the mini-tournament licensed with the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

“Hopefully, government will accept the request considering our plight and that we are among the few teams in the national league that do not enjoy government sponsorship,” said Kanyenda.

He and Bullets trustee Gaston Mwenelupembe also touched on the issue of curbing violence and hooliganism.

Said Mwenelupembe: “It is a fact that cases of violence and hooliganism have dented the image of the game and we feel one way of eradicating it is by preaching against such evil acts prior to the games by emphasising that football is supposed to be a form of entertainment and not a field for bloodshed.

“The other thing is that it is an embarrassment for the big teams to be perpetually broke when we can come up with innovative ideas such as this one on how to make money. It is time to do something for ourselves other than wait for help. If we take the first step ourselves, then it would be easier to convince potential sponsors because we will demonstrate seriousness.”

According to the two teams, charges for Sunday’s game are K3 000 VIP, K2 000 Covered Stands, K1 000 MBC Stand and K500 Open Stands.

Wanderers chairperson George Chamangwana said a joint account will be opened where proceeds from the two matches will be deposited.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to ask other potential sponsors to come on board and sponsor other things such as transport, food, accommodation or individual awards like top scorer and player of the tournament,” said Chamangwana.