BetPawa, a leading pan-African sports betting brand, has set a new chapter in women’s football by pumping in a record K273.24 million sponsorship through its Locker Room Bonus brand.
The package follows a one-year partnership agreement between the betting firm and the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).
The sponsorship, which was unveiled yesterday in Lilongwe, will directly reward players and technical staff across 270 matches in the women’s regional leagues.
hands after signing the deal. | Courtesy of BetPawa
BetPawa’s West and Southern Africa regional manager responsible for corporate social responsibility and sports development Nii Armah Ashong-Katai said under the Locker Room Bonus initiative, the winning team of each match will receive K1.012 million with each of the 23 players and 3 technical staff members earning K44 000 per game.
He said: “This direct financial incentive aims to boost motivation, competitiveness and professionalism in women’s football in Malawi. In addition to the match bonuses, betPawa will introduce “Awards Bonus” of K 8.7 million to be shared among outstanding players and the winning team at the end of the season.
“This further investment underscores BetPawa’s commitment to fostering talent and rewarding excellence in Malawian women’s football.”
Ashong-Katai added that they are passionate about growing sports across Africa and women’s football in particular.
“Through Locker Room Bonus, we aim to empower players and teams by rewarding their hard work and dedication directly. This partnership with FAM reflects our commitment to investing in the future of Malawian football and ensuring that talent is nurtured and celebrated,” she said.
FAM first vice-president Christopher Mafalitso Kuyera described the development as a landmark for women’s football in the country.
He said: “The Locker Room Bonus programme not only provides the much-needed financial support, but also inspires our female athletes to strive for greatness.
“We believe this initiative will raise the standard of the game and encourage more young women to pursue football professionally.”
Natikonal Women’s Football Association chairperson Adelaide Migogo said the partnership marks a new phase in women’s football.
“The importance of this sponsorship cannot be overemphasised. It will transform women’s football and we are very excited,” she said.
BetPawa has become only the second sponsor of women’s football after Prophet Shepard Bushiri’s Goshen City, which co-sponsors the National Women’s Football Championship with FAM.
The lukewarm sponsorship towards women’s football is despite the country producing 10 foreign-based players, including global stars such as the Chawinga sisters Tabitha and Temwa and Rose Kabzere, who ply their trade in France and the US.
