FAM won’t renew Matola’s contract

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) marketing and commercial director Limbani Matola is expected to leave the association following the expiry of his contract which has not been renewed.

Matola, who leaves FAM today after serving in the position for eight years, said he was proud to have contributed to the rebranding of the association’s corporate image.

He said: “As I look back, I am glad to say I am leaving FAM a much better, improved and solid corporate institution, which everyone in Malawi is ready and willing to associate with.

“Some of you may wish to know that when I joined FAM then, I was called and cautioned by  close family members, friends and colleagues from my neighbourhood and church, who advised me to reverse the decision because in their wisdom and knowledge then, FAM was not close to a good place for me to work. The corporate reputation at that time was not attractive.

“With the guidance of the executive committee and led by the general secretary, we have together worked very hard to turn around FAM’s brand image and corporate profile. Today, FAM is a model of a well-governed and marketed sports institution not only in Malawi, but across Africa and beyond.

Matola said as a result of the corporate confidence they gained over the years, the association now enjoys more unprecedented levels of sponsorship than ever before.

He said: “As at December 31 2023, the value of football sponsorships stood at K1.07 billion. We worked hard to diversify the revenue levels for the institution and as at 31st December 2023, the commercial team was able to generate over MK2.05 billion.

“This again is historical. The institution is best in class amongst peers such that for years, FAM has won prestigious awards at both Institute of Marketing in Malawi  [IMM] and Malawi National Council of Sports.”

Veteran football journalist Patrick Simango said Matola will be remembered for having helped FAM secure corporate trust.

 “He has always been a smart gentleman.  Get better as you navigate new horizons. Good luck wherever you will be,” he wrote on FAM WhatsApp media forum.

During his time at FAM, Matola was in 2019 appointed by Fifa to be part of the organisation team for the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Poland.

Last year, Matola was also named The Best Sales Personality of the Year by IMM.

FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda was not available for comment on the decision not to renew Matola’s contract.