Financial services conglomerate Nico Group yesterday unveiled a K900 million sponsorship for Lilongwe-based Ascent Soccer Academy.
The three-year deal was unveiled at Kamuzu International Airport, during a send-off ceremony for the academy’s Under-16 girls and Under-14 boys’ teams to Sweden and Iceland for international tournaments.
Nico Group head of marketing and customer experience Tabeni Gondwe Xaba said the sponsorship deal will see the academy getting K300 million annually.
She said: “There is a lot of talent going unnoticed in our communities due to lack of resources. As Nico Group, we thought it appropriate and wise to invest in grassroots football.
“We carried out a research on Ascent Academy and we were convinced that they are doing great work. They have been exporting talent to Europe. We are proud to partner Ascent Academy.”
She said the record sponsorship for a local academy reflects Nico Group’s commitment to develop sports at all levels.
“At Nico Group, we believe the greatest investment is one that transforms lives. This partnership goes beyond sponsorship. It is about creating opportunities, nurturing dreams and taking talent from the grassroots to the global stage,” added Gondwe Xaba.
Ascent Soccer Academy director Marc Schwenk thanked Nico Group for the sponsorship, saying the money will help produce more players.
He said: “We have received a huge and amazing push and we are grateful to Nico Group for making such a huge investment in our academy.
“This donation will help us expand our scouting to discover more talent in different areas. We hope to produce more players in the next few years.”
Football Association of Malawi president Fleetood Haiya also hailed Nico Group for the sponsorship
He said: “Through this investment, you are promoting the growth of football in the country. Football can only develop if there is strong foundation at grassroots.
“We really are appreciative of this huge sponsorship. Our message to other companies is that when considering sponsorship, they should not rush to top-tier institutions, but also invest in the youths because that’s where success starts.”
Ascent Soccer Academy delights in being one of the most successful football academies in the country and its products include Europe-based women’s football stars Rose Kabzere, who plies her trade in the French women’s top league and Faith Chimzimu who plays in the Swedish women’s flagship league.
Germany-based teenage sensation Mwisho Mhango, who plays for 2 Bundesliga outfit Hannover 96 is also a product of the academy.
Locally, it has produced current FDH Bank Premiership joint leading scorers Lameck Mithi and Festus Duwe of Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers, respectively.
The academy also boasts of producing Scorchers midfielder Leticia Chinyamula, who was named Council of Southern Africa Football Associations’ Most Improved Female Player at its inaugural awards in 2024.
