Likoma clubs demand Simama sponsorship share
Football teams from Likoma and Chizumulu islands want a cut from the 2016 K4 million (about $5 700) Simama Premier League package to use to organise their own competition.
The demand comes following the teams’ failure to participate in the regional league due to transport challenges.
The MV Ilala travels once a week from Nkhata Bay to the two islands.
The other means of transport to and from the islands are small private boats.
Speaking on behalf of islands teams, Likoma district sports committee chairperson Davie Kacholola said teams from the two islands should have a cut to benefit from the K4 million sponsorship.
It’s now six years since the teams from the two islands quit the Simama Premier League.
“What we are seeking is the cut from the K4 million Northern Region Simama League package so that we should be able to have our own league.
“Note that the current situation is that we are totally isolated. For a start, K500 000 (about $721) is okay. We have enough Premier League teams that can take part in the league here,” he said.
Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) chairperson Lameck Khonje said the situation at Likoma requires long-term solution apart from getting a mere cut from the K4 million Simama sponsorship.
He said they are working on securing another sponsor for district tournaments which Likoma will automatically benefit from.
“It is clear that teams from the islands do not take part in the Simama League because of transport challenges. We understand their plea to have a cut from the Simama package,” said Khonje.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) second vice-president Orthaniel Hara said Likoma and Chizumulu team’s plea needs to be addressed. n