Mpira TV to be fully operational May

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says it expects the Mpira Television channel to be fully operational next month.

FAM established a football TV channel on KiliyeKiliye decoder after signing an agreement with Malawi Digital Broadcasting Network Limited (MDBNL) to generate revenue through match beaming.

The association’s president Walter Nyamilandu yesterday said so far, they are satisfied with the test phase and the response from viewers.

He said: “I would say so far, so good. We are moving in the right direction.

“The process of testing the signals is still going on and we expect to go full-throttle next month.

“The response has been quite encouraging. We have had good feedback from the viewers.”

The FAM president said as the Mpira TV trials are nearing conclusion, they are now working with Super League of Malawi (Sulom) to conclude the deal with MDBNL and producers so that they can finalise the commercial agreement.

“Of utmost importance is the revenue that will be realised from the Mpira TV so that all parties can benefit from the TV rights.

“Ultimately,  we expect to officially launch the TV soon where the commercial model will be announced,” he said.

Gift Kasongo, a Blantyre-based Nyasa Big Bullets fan, said he is happy with the quality.

“With the barring of spectators from football matches, I am able to watch the games on TV at home and the content is satisfactory though there is room for improvement,” he said.

Mighty Tigers technical director Robin Alufandika said they are hoping that the current deal will be a success and that all parties will benefit..

“Our expectation, as a club that has no sponsorship, is that we will benefit financially from the deal as is the case in other countries,” he said.