Carlsberg Malawi yesterday set the hype for the semi-final matches slated for this weekend by presenting uniforms worth K4 million to all the four teams—Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers, Kamuzu Barracks and Zomba United.
The giant brewer presented sets of uniforms complete with players’ names printed at the back of the jerseys during a ceremony held at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Limbe. Unlike in most cases, the uniforms also covered all the four teams’ registered players.
Carlsberg Malawi Limited senior brands manager (alcoholics) Twikale Chirwa said the move to present uniforms with names of the players seeks to encourage an element of professionalism in the game.
“Apart from motivating the players, we felt it will also help to bring an element of international standards, thereby setting lofty standards. For three years, we have been pleading with FAM to consider printing names of players on the jerseys.
“We are pumping in about K400million (US$963 855) towards football sponsorship through Carlsberg Cup, Coca Cola Schools tournament and the Flames. We would like to see an element of professionalism and teams can make money out of branding jerseys with key players’ names,” said Chirwa.
Bullets veteran winger Fischer Kondowe said Carlsberg’s move will inspire the players.
“It happens elsewhere and it will be a great feeling putting on a jersey with your name at the back,” he said.
During the function, Bullets chairperson Kondi Msungama, who spoke on behalf of the teams said for the good of the game, they have backtracked on their earlier stance not to travel to Lilongwe for the semi-final match against their age-old rivals Mighty Wanderers.
“But we are hopeful that in future, the organisers will consider subsidising on the costs such as fuel, accommodation and transport, bearing in mind that these two teams do not have sponsorship,” said Msungama.
However, speaking earlier, FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said in accordance with article eight of the competition’s rules and regulations, the organising committee has the prerogative to come up with the venue.
He also announced that the final match will be played on August 10. Bullets will face Wanderers at Civo Stadium on Saturday, whereas defending champions KB will meet Zomba United at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday.
Chirwa said the Blantyre derby has been slated for the capital on commercial grounds.
