Nedbank pledge makes things happen for Lumeta
Nedbank’s catchphrase is ‘make things happen’ and on Wednesday the bank committed itself to sponsor for two years lawn tennis whiz-kid Chisomo Lumeta to the tune of K3 million.
Nedbank managing director Paul Guta said they were swayed by Lumeta’s exploits on the continent and they would make him their brand ambassador.
With his voice straining with emotion, Guta said: “Before us, we have a boy who has defied all odds to make it big. To be ranked number two in Africa [in the junior ranks] is no mean achievement.
So, I would like to say Chisomo, we are proud of you. You have made the nation proud, we are happy with what you have done. We are happy to walk with you, that’s why we are saying from now on, we’ll walk with you whereby we’ll be providing $300 [about K124 000] a month for two years.”
The Nedbank boss added: “We’ll make things happen for you, all the regalia and stuff. We’ll walk with you on the path to success.”
Guta said Nedbank aspires to be a green caring bank: “And today, we see one of these green dreams coming alive by enabling things happen for Chisomo.”
Lumeta appeared overwhelmed with the occasion and when he was asked to make a speech, he went in front, flashed his trademark boyish grin as he looked this way and that, as if lost for words—maybe he could not believe things were indeed happening.
“I would like to thank you for this amazing timely sponsorship, its an honour to be recognised by such a giant of a bank.
“I will make you proud, I will be your good brand ambassador, thank you Nedbank,” said Lumeta and it was a done deal.
He also appealed to other institutions to emulate Nedbank’s gesture.
Malawi National Council of Sports board member Krishna Achuthan and Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) board member Ken Dzekedzeke thanked Nedbank for the timely sponsorship.
Said Achuthan: “It’s not an easy feat to be number two, I hope you will set a good example, be humble, look after yourself you got a long road to go.
“To Nedbank, thank you very much, let it not only be Chisomo.”
The Sports Council board member said it is his hope that 100 percent of the sponsorship will benefit Lumeta.
Lumeta left the country yesterday for Casablanca, Morocco, where he is on a scholarship.
Silver get Harawa, Chitsulo boost ahead of BB fixture
Singayazi Kaminjolo
Staff Reporter
Silver Strikers FC have gotten a timely boost with playmaker Green Harawa up for selection against Big Bullets tomorrow.
He was sidelined for three weeks with a hamstring injury.
Tony Chitsulo, Lazarous Nyemera and Thoko Stambuli are also available options for Silver coach Stein Chirwa duriing the fixture.
“Harawa is certainly up for selection. He has recovered well and is fit. In fact, we could have featured him in the game against Blue Eagles but we had to be cautious taking into account the Sulom case,” said Silver treasurer Fred Kalonga.
He said Nyamera and Stambuli were nursing injuries but have recovered well.
“We have a full squad and are ready for Bullets tomorrow. It is a very crucial fixture for us and we are glad that it has come at a time when the players are all fit and there is no suspension, “he said.
The squad has been buoyed up with the away victory over Blue Eagles last Sunday.
Coach Stein Chirwa was equally optimistic of the outcome tomorrow.
“We are training hard and there is unity of purpose. I am confident that we can carry the day on Saturday though we know it will be tough,” he said.
Bullets too are on the high after their victory over rivals Mighty Wanderers last week. With forwards Jimmy Zakazaka regain form, Silver need to be wary of Bullets who have a large following everywhere they play.
In a related development, Silver are questioning the logic behind Super League of Malawi (Sulom) K450 000 appeal fee.
“The fine for featuring a player serving a yellow card is K300 000. It’s strange that the appeal fee is K450 000. We have asked Sulom to cut the appeal fee in the case involving Green Harawa,” said Kalonga.
