FDH bank hikes cup package
FDH Bank plc has increased the sponsorship package for the FDH Bank Cup from K120 million to K150 million.
The bank’s senior marketing manager Ronald Chimchere yesterday said during the unveiling and awards ceremony at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre that the K30 million increase aims to make the competition more competitive.
“As a bank, what we want is to see the competition unearthing more football talents and we believe an improved package can help to facilitate this process,” he said.
“This is also a direct response to the dynamics of the country’s economy.”
Chimchere said details of the prizes will be revealed during the draw for the 2024 edition in the next few days.
The development comes at a time TNM plc also increased TNM Super League sponsorship from K150 million to K500 million. Castel Malawi also upped the Castel Challenge Cup package from K320 million to K400 million.
Defending champions FCB Nyasa Bullets chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda welcomed the increase, saying it will help teams to up their game.
“This is good news in as far as improving football standards in the country is concerned,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi executive member and competitions committee chairperson Felister Dossi said the association appreciates FDH Bank’s contribution to the uplifting of football standards in the country.
“With the changes in the economy, it is encouraging to see the bank considering sponsorship increase. We are grateful to FDH Bank plc for reviewing the package,” she said.
The sponsorship unveiling ceremony was conducted alongside presentation of players and media awards for the 2023 edition.
In the awards, Bullets forward Patrick Mwaungulu was named Player of the Tournament while his teammate Hassan Kajoke clinched the golden boot with four goals. Mighty Mukuru Wanderers goalkeeper William Thole was named the best goalkeeper whereas Santhe Admarc midfielder Zahaya Maitano won the Discovery Award.
On the other hand, in media awards, the best print journalist accolade went to Nation Publications Limited (NPL) journalist Bobby Kabango. Hankey Chimtengo of Mibawa Television, Richard Tiyesi of Timveni Radio, Andrew Chilapondwa of Malawi 24 and Chifundo Zingunde of Aluso Media emerged the best in television, radio, online and photo-journalism, in that order.
For community radio stations journalists, the awards went to Byson Moses of Living Waters Church Radio in the Southern Region, Isaac Grant of Bembeke Radio in the Central Region and Victor Musongole of Radio Tigawane in the Northern Region.
Bullets won the cup for the second season in a row after beating Mafco 3-0 in the 2023 final.
Silver Strikers won the inaugural championship after beating Ekwendeni Hammers in the 2021 edition final.
