Chihana donates to football teams

 Alliance for Democracy (Aford) president Enoch Chihana has donated K150 000 each to Chitipa United and Karonga United football clubs towards their club licensing registration fee to Football Association of Malawi.

The donation was made in Chitipa on Thursday where Chihana went for a series of meetings. On Saturday, the Aford president made a similar donation to Karonga United, saying the two teams are struggling financially.

Speaking after receiving the money, Chitipa United youth representative Moses Mtambo said the team needed  the money before the Friday deadline.

“We had no hope; hence, taking the begging bowel here and fortunately, we have been bailed out of the situation,” he said.

In a separate interview, the club’s secretary general Dumi Ngoma said the club thanked Chihana for responding positively to their situation.

He said: “If the team is to be consistent in the country’s flagship league, then we have to get support from well-wishers such as Chihana. We have so many challenges as we also play our home games away at Karonga Stadium and we spend about K200 000 on food and transport every time we travel to Karonga. So, there is need for concerted efforts.”

Asked what the team is doing to expedite the completion of the home ground so that the team starts using the stadium in the forthcoming season, Ngoma said much as they wish the stadium completed as soon as possible, they will wait for the task force which is working with the council to finish the stadium.

He said: “Our hands as a team are tied on that issue, much as we would want to have it completed soon to enhance our chances of playing at our backyard so that we should enjoy the support of home fans.

“And again, once it is completed, the council will benefit in terms of revenue collection while the community will also have their share in terms of businesses during games at the facility.”

However, Karonga District Council chairperson Thomas Kapesa indicated that at the moment, the council does not have any basket from where to draw funds for the completion of the stadium, saying Governance to Enabled Service Delivery and District Development Fund go in line with the District Development Plan guidelines.

On his part, Karonga United FC treasurer Maupo Kumwenda said the donation was commendable as the off-season break always affects the team’s finances