Humba hails Andiamo

Southern Region Football Committee (SRFC) chairperson Raphael Humba on Saturday hailed Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust (AYCT) for increasing sponsorship for the Balaka District Football League to K1.5 million from K500 000.

Speaking at Andiamo grounds, Humba commended AYCT and their Italian counterparts for their continued commitment to promote football in the district.

“I can disclose that Balaka is the only district in the Southern Region with such a big sponsorship. We do not take this for granted, we are thankful to Andiamo. We promise to run this league professionally so that we do not let you down,” said Humba.

Balaka District Football League (BDFL) chairperson Francis Onions Phiri assured the sponsors that the committee will ensure transparency and accountability.

“We are committed to using the money for the intended purpose,” said Phiri.

AYCT founder Reverend Father Mario Pacifici asked participating teams to exercise discipline throughout the league.

“We can assure you another sponsorship next year, when you prove that you are disciplined. We would also like to see that the committee is transparent and accountable in its dealings,” said Pacifici.

The top four teams at zone level will receive K20 000, K10 000, K7 000 and K5 000 respectively whereas the first two will go into a round of 16 qualifiers.

Among other prizes, the district champion will get K200 000 and a trophy, runners-up K150 000 whereas third and fourth-placed teams will get K70 000 and K50 000 respectively.

AYCT, in conjunction with Association of Lawyers from Bergamo in Italy, are sponsoring the league for the fourth year running. The league is currently being played in eight zones.

In the sponsorship’s launch game, Chilobwe FC beat Manjawira Admarc 1-0. They received K15 000 and K10 000 respectively.