Escom Utd to maintain name

Escom United FC have said they will maintain the name next season although the club is no longer sponsored by Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom).

The club’s chairperson Fanuel Nkhono said while the club has plans to change its name, it will not be immediate as there are some logistics that have to be looked into, in particular the brand name.

Escom stopped sponsorship the football and netball teams last June.

“Escom is a brand and as a club we have been associated with it for close to three decades.

“We did some process to change the name, but we have to look at other logistics such as the sale of replica jerseys before we can complete that process. It is a transition that will take sometime. So, for the coming season, we will maintain the name,” said Nkhono.

He also said the club is not hurting the image of the corporation in anyway; hence, the continuity.

“If anything, Escom as a corporation is benefiting from free publicity. They were our sponsors for close to 30 years, so there is still that bond,” Nkhono said.

Last year, Escom Sisters general secretary Chimwemwe Bakali said that they would also maintain the name for the same reason.

“Until we find a sponsor, we will maintain the name,” said Bakali.

Escom public relations manager Kitty Chingota was yet to respond to our questionnaire when contacted on the matter yesterday.

Escom United FC and Escom Sisters are ranked among the best on the domestic scene. The football team missed last season’s TNM Super League championship by a whisker while the netball side virtually swept all silverware.

Over the years, Escom FC has produced such big names as Chiukepo Msowoya, Victor Nyirenda, Peter Mponda, Limbikani Mzava, Jacob Ngwira, Bernard Harawa, Chikondi Likwemba, Noel Mkandawire, Emmanuel Chipatala, Maupo Msowoya, Ndaziona Chatsalira and Chimango Kaira.

The netball team produced the first professional player in Mwawi Kumwenda.