FMB hikes U-20 league sponsorship to K10m

Stakes for FMB Under-20 Football League have been increased from K6 million (about $14 285) to K10 million (about $23 809).

The bank’s marketing manager, Sylvia Mataka, announced the new sponsorship package yesterday during signing of contract agreement at the bank’s offices in Blantyre.

The good news came with an emphasis on the need for the National Youth Football Committee (NYFC) to ensure that cases of age-cheating are nipped in the bud ahead of the competition’s launch on May 18 at SureStream Academy in Blantyre.

“We have increased the sponsorship because we want more districts to benefit from this competition. But we need to emphasise that age-cheating is a negative connotation that can tarnish our image as a company.

“So make sure only those within the required age limit participate in this contest. We need to see clean soccer this year,” said Mataka, who was accompanied by FMB human resources manager Tonny Chirwa at the function.

NYFC chairperson Mabvuto Missi said they are already in the process of curbing age-cheating through a vetting exercise in all the districts that have participating teams.

“We thank FMB for seeing it fit to continue sponsoring us with an enhanced package. We do not take this for granted. We assure you that we have put in place strong measures to curb age-cheating. We want this marriage between us and FMB to only be separated by death,” said Missi.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda, who also signed the contract agreement, expressed gratitude to FMB for the support towards the development of youth football in the country.

“As FAM, we must admit that we have not done well in committing ourselves to youth football development in the past. We are aware that most TNM Super League players were spotted from the FMB League,” Nyirenda said. He urged the bank to also support other age-categories such as the U-17 and U-14 leagues.

According to NYFC treasurer, Tiyenkhu Chavula, the increased sponsorship means teams and individual prizes both at district and national level have been enhanced. He added that each of the four national finalists will also receive uniforms worth K300 000 (about $714).

Districts that will have teams in this year’s event are Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe, Dedza, Nkhata Bay and Mzuzu City. Previously, only teams from Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu cities participated in the annual contest.