Football legends have received a timely boost ahead of their international friendly against their Zambian counterparts, having surpassed their K24 million budget.
The match is scheduled for Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe.
Football Legends Association (FLA) board chairperson Jim Kalua said as of yesterday they had K32 million in sponsorship and pledges.
He said: “With the tight economic environment, we had to cut some expenses, but with more pledges coming in, we will be able to accommodate.
“We are thankful to our partners and sponsors and I would like to assure them that after the event, we will come up with a report detailing all the expenses.”
Kalua said they have received K4 million and equipment from Football Association of Malawi (FAM), K2.5 million from business mogul and philanthropist Dr Thomson Mpinganjira, who is also president and board chairperson of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, K2 million from GS Plastic and K1 million from FAM president Fleetwood Haiya.
In yet another major boost, Ministry of Youth and Sports has also waived the 25 percent it was supposed to get for hosting the match at BNS.
The ministry’s spokesperson Macmillan Mwale said this is their contribution to the legends in recognition of the role they played towards the development of football in the country.
Other contributors include Creck Sporting Club K2 million, Fomo Foundation K1.5 million, Victoria Forex Bureau K1 million.
They have also received K500 000 each from Zone Farm, Bar and Restaurant, Champions Stadium, Ekotek Investments and Solarise.
Mpira M’mudzi Mwathu donated 30 cases of water while a well-wisher Vitumbiko Sakala provided a billboard advertising space at Gateway Mall Roundabout.
Meanwhile, South Africa-based Ernest Mtawali ysterday arrived for the match yesterday while fellow South Africa-based John Maduka and England-based Esau Kanyenda, are expected to arrive today.
The Zambian legends were also expected to arrive later yesterday through Mchinji Border.
