Bushiri injects K60m into women’s football

Goshen Trust has pumped K60 million into women’s football, including the Malawi National Women’s Football Team.

During the sponsorship unveiling ceremony at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe yesterday, the trust’s visionaire prophet Shephard Bushiri said the package will be subject to renewal.

He said K29 million will go towards the Scorchers’ trip to South Africa for the Cosafa Women’s Championship while K29 million will go towards the National Football League which has now been rebranded to Goshen Women Football League.

The remaining K10 million will go towards the Scorchers allowances at the regional showpiece.

Bushiri said it is every citizen’s dream to see their nation become an export of talent.

He said: “This is just the beginning. This team will never be the same again. After proper diligence we decided that it should be one of our biggest investment.

We want our girls to realise their dreams. We are looking at permanent solutions and we want to become a long-term sponsor to better women football in the country,” said Bushiri.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu described Bushiri as a good Samaritan.

He said: “The marginalised child now has been saved. This reminds me of the story of the good Samaritan. You have come to the rescue of a battered and bruised child and we thank you.

“For close to 20 years, we [FAM] has been the only financier of women’s football in the country. It is been a struggle, but despite the hardships, we managed to unearth talent and export it overseas in the likes of Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. “Your coming in will greatly transform women football. You have chosen an area which has been ignored. We really thank you prophet.”

Scorchers captain Temwa Chawinga also thanked Bushiri for the support.

“There is so much talent in the country, but due to lack of finances and sponsorship, it is not tapped. The players’ welfare is also not inspiring. They need motivation,” she said.

National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adelaide Migogo also thanked Bushiri for the sponsorship.

“We are really grateful that the prophet has come in to fill the gap. During campaign we promised to find sponsorship and we are happy that Prophet Bushiri has come in. This is a great boost as we prepare for the Cosafa tournament,” she said.