Kawinga spoils team with K13m, changes its name

Apostle Clifford Kawinga has spoiled his newly-promoted TNM Super League side Kawinga FC with  K13 million for a job well done in the 2023 season.

The players and officials were rewarded during a gala dinner the sponsor hosted at Sunbird Capital in Lilongwe on Sunday, where he also announced the change of the club’s  name to Creck Sporting Club.

Kawinga, who is also the club’s owner and patron, said the name has been changed  as the team will now be sponsored by Creck Hardware and General Suppliers Limited, which he owns.

The team’s 30 players were given K250 000 each, translating to K7.5 million.

Five outstanding players  also received K50 000 each and there was also a K1 million patron’s award. 

Technical and administrative officials totalling 25 received K100 000 each.

Kawinga also unveiled five different kits for the team in the  upcoming 2024 season. He has also bought a luxury 64-seater  coach for the club.

He said the change of name is meant to acknowledge the support they get from the sponsors.

Said Kawinga: “Every step in life has changes, so as we are going to the Super League, we have seen it wise to appreciate our sponsors Creck Hardware and General Suppliers Limited for this achievement.

“It is in appreciation for what they did for the team while playing  in the Chipiku League.

“On acquiring a new bus, it is one of the signs that we are ready and set for TNM Super League as this will ease transportation challenges.”

However, he could not be drawn to disclose how much he plans to invest in the team ahead of  the journey in the top-flight league.

 Kawinga thanked  the players and officials for their feat, saying there will be structural changes as they prepare for the Super League.

Team manager Owen KaMtukule thanked Creck Hardware and General Suppliers for the support.

He said: “We are very grateful and we are looking forward to a new lease of life in the Super League. We will fight hard to succeed and promote the name of our sponsor’s brand.”

During the ceremony,  Andrew Bisika was named the best goalkeeper while Kondwani Lipenga was voted the best defender.

The est midfielder award went to team captain  Chisomo Hiwa while Raheem Mtondela won top goal-scorer award with 10 goals.

The most disciplined player award went to Arnold Kiyama.

Hiwa said the awards will motivate the players.

Kawinga FC won the  Chipiku Stores Central Region Football Association Premier Division with 53 points, six ahead of second-placed  St Gabriel Zitha.

They played in the Chipiku Stores League for two seasons after buying Holy Cross Ambassadors’ franchise.