FDH Bank, FAM seal Flames’ new deal
FDH Bank plc is set to extend its romance with the Flames with increased sponsorship package after reaching an agreement with the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).
However, in an interview yesterday, FDH Financial Holdings Limited group head of marketing and communication Levie Nkunika said the actual package will be unveiled tomorrow in Blantyre.
He said: “I can confirm that FDH Bank Plc has concluded negotiations with FAM. We will be renewing the contract which dates back to 2016.”
Nkunika said FDH Bank is committed to work together with FAM to realise the full potential of the Malawi national football team.
He said: “FDH Bank stands for making growth possible for our customers and stakeholders, including communities under which football development falls.
“The bank supports the vision of FAM to make the Flames Africa’s football powerhouse.
“We have taken a medium and long-term approach towards the development of sports, especially football and netball in Malawi as FDH Bank has not only been investing in the Queens and the Flames, but also introduced national cups for both netball and football. This is in addition to the mayors’ trophies and inter-city mayors trophy for netball and football for primary schools.”
FDH Bank plc started bankrolling the Flames in 2016 with an annual K30 million sponsorship. The home-grown bank doubled the sponsorship to K60 million in 2019.
“We came in at a time when other sponsors had deserted the team as they sought immediate returns,” he said.
On his part, FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda said: “This is a windfall for the Flames. What a way to reciprocate to our qualification to Afcon [Africa Cup of Nations].
FDH has risen to the challenge by surpassing our expectations with the highest sponsorship for the Flames ever. They have broken the record
Currently, FDH Bank pumps in a total of K540 million towards Flames sponsorship and FDH Bank Cup, whose winner will cart home K25 million.
The bank has also taken interest to support the Flames players to build and develop sustainable livelihoods past their careers by conducting savings and investment training to the squad.
When the Flames qualified for Afcon, the bank rewarded the players and technical staff with K3.5 million.
FDH Bank plc is a home-grown bank with the widest branch network of 51 service centres in Malawi. It is a subsidiary of FDH Financial Holdings Limited, alongside FDH Money Bureau, the First Discount House.
