Clubs, Pamtsetse Bonanza organisers yet to agree
Clubs to take part in the Nzika Flood Response Soccer Bonanza, scheduled for this weekend at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, have said they are yet to agree on logistical needs.
Silver Strikers, Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers and Civil Service United are expected to participate in the two-day tournament.
Nzika Flood Response, with TNM and NBS Bank sponsorship, has organised Pamtsetse Soccer Bonanza to raise K50 million to assist flood victims.
Silver Strikers chief executive officer Thoko Chimbali confirmed being approached by the organisers.
He said: “We had a preliminary meeting and discussed our participation. We are ready to take part but haven’t yet reached an agreement on the logistical arrangements. I can’t say much but we are still discussing. This bonanza is for a good cause and we are willing to be part of this event to help flood victims.”
On his part, Nyasa Big Bullets chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed that they will participate, but appealed to the organisers to meet their expenses.
He said: “We have been approached and we will be part of the bonanza as works of charity resonate with our ethos as a football club. In terms of logistics, it is likely that organisers will take care of them.”
Civo general secretary Ronald Chiwaula also said they have confirmed their participation, subject to logistical arrangements.
“As good citizens, it is our responsibility to contribute to a good cause to help flood victims. We have confirmed our participation, but we need them to meet our logistical needs such as appearance fee, food and transport arrangements.
“We have to take care of players. We are yet to reach a settlement on this. But we will reach an agreement. We urge football fans to support this event and come in huge numbers,” he said.
Chiwaula said they will be comfortable with at least a K2 million appearance fee.
Team leader for the bonanza Gift Nankhuni promised to meet the needs of the teams.
He said: “We are ready to meet the needs of each team. We will provide transport, accommodation, food and any other needs. We are still talking to each team and discussing the nitty-gritties. Everything will be sorted out.”
He said they have set aside K15 million as budget for the two-day events.
