Pachemanso pa ground as FDH Bank plc has increased the FDB Bank Cup sponsorship to K120 million from K90 million, representing 33 percent hike.
The package increase has led to the winner’s prize being increased to K30 million from K25 million.
This was announced on Friday during the unveiling of the 2023 edition at Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) Mpira Village in Blantyre.
The bank’s senior marketing manager Ronald Chimchere said the increase means the regional teams’ package has also been adjusted from K500 000 to K700 000 upon qualification.
He said: “We have considered a number of factors to adjust the money and among others, we are looking at economical issues which the country is going through.
“Let me promise our fans that FDH Bank is here to stay and they should expect a lot from the bank,” he said.
Chimchere said individual winners will also go home with an improved prizes which, according to him will bring a huge competition.
“For example, the top goal scorer, discovery of the tournament, player of the tournament and golden glove will each pocket K300 000 from K200 000. And remember we give out cash to the man-of-the-match from the quarter-final stage which has also been doubled to K100 000,” he said.
FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda thanked FDH for the adjustment, saying with the economic hardships the country is facing, it is not easy for the bank to increase sponsorship.
He said: “The bank came first to the national team, and then to club football knowing for sure that we do not have a proper national team without clubs.
“As FAM, we appreciate the bank’s gesture. This will allow football to be more competitive. We work well when we work together,” he said.
In 2021 the bank announced a historic K450 million five-year sponsorship, K90 million per year for a national league cup.
Silver Strikers won the first edition and were followed by FCB Nyasa Bullets last year.
Yesterday, the bank also awarded winners for the last season. Chikumbutso Salima of FCB Nyasa Bullets Reserves, now on loan at Bangwe All Stars, scooped two awards. He was named player of the tournament and discovery of the tournament.
Bullets main team goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba and Babatunde Adepoju won the best glove and top goal scorer award, respectively.
In the media awards category, Bobby Kabango of Nation Publications Limited was named the best photojournalist while Frank Kandu of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation was named best radio journalist.
Isaac Salima of Times Media Group won best print journalist while Edward Rex of TV Islam was named best Television journalist with Andrew Chilapondwa of Malawi24 winning online journalist.
Best community radio reporter centre went to Isaac Grant of Bembeke, best community radio south went to Chikumbutso Willard, for north the award went to Victor Musongole.
