Malawian Airlines sponsors tickets for Flames

Malawian Airlines has sponsored five return tickets to Johannesburg for the Flames ahead of Wednesday’s international friendly match against the Warriors of Zimbabwe.

According to the airline’s marketing officer Mike Ndaombwa, the cost of the tickets is in excess of K1 million (about $2 500).

The tickets will help ferry Robert Ng’ambi, Harry Nyirenda, Atusaye Nyondo, Gabadinho Mhango and Joseph Kamwendo for the match.

Ndaombwa said: “When we heard about the need for sponsorship, we thought of coming in to help.

“This is also part of our corporate social responsibility because some of our customers enjoy the game of football. We’ll try to see how we can help in future.”

FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said the development could signify a new chapter in the association’s quest to secure corporate partners for the Flames.

“As you know, the national team does not have sponsors and this is a big step in the bid to find sponsors.

“We get K70 million [about $175 000] against a budget of K500 million [$1.2m],” he said.

Nyirenda said often when they approach companies, they raise the issue of tax waiver which is beyond FAM’s jurisdiction.

“So, we’ll keep on knocking on the doors with the hope that other companies will emulate Malawian Airlines,” said Nyirenda.

He also said their hope is to strike a long-term partnership with the airline.