Malawi will next year host the Council for Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) tournament for the first time since its inception.
Government has taken a leading role of ensuring that everything is on track by engaging TransAfrica Media of South Africa in consultancy work.
Sports Minister Enoch Chihana recently led a delegation of government, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and Malawi National Sports Council (MNSC) to South Africa for discussions on the event.
“TransAfrica Media have shown commitment to mobilise the private sector in South Africa to invest in the project and in turn to have part control of rights associated with the tournament,†said Chihana.
In an interview on Monday, Chihana said the country needs about 10 million rands (about K360 million) to successfully host this most prestigious soccer tournament.
“From the initial talks we had with TransAfrica Media, it was established that we need K360 million for the tournament. We were also advised to buy television equipment for MBCtv,†he said.
One of TransAfrica Media’s directors, Richard Glover, said it is viable for Malawi to host the tournament.
“We are prepared to mobilise more partners for the event. Currently, we are working with MTN, Vodacom, Nedbank and other big private firms which are already involved in the sport and have the experience,†said Glover who is expected in the country next week.
Chihana said government is trying to break new ground on running football.
“There are huge financial resources in South Africa and we stand to benefit a lot by partnering with them. We are having further talks next week. After that, we will brief the press. Currently, everything is going on well,†he said.
FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed about the impending TV rights deal and believes once it is concluded Malawi football will take great leaps.
Football in the country has been lagging behind because clubs have no TV and marketing rights unlike what happens in other countries.
In a separate interview, Big Bullets treasurer Geoffrey Tamutamu said Malawi has proved to be a soccer crazy country, so with good marketing, clubs will see their fortunes multiply.
