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One on One: Austin Kasito

Central Region football fans for Big Bullets, Silver Strikers, Mighty Wanderers and Epac FC last weekend raised K15.8 million from an event dubbed Clash of Giants Sports Fundraising Bonanza. Singayazi Kaminjolo (SK) caught up with chairperson of the organising committee Austin Kasito (AK) to hear more about the creative idea.

SK: Congratulations on raising money for the clubs

AK:

Thank you

Kasito_austinSK: How did you come up with this idea?

AK:

It came from a shameful realisation that we have been raising millions for charity organisations yet our clubs are also in dire need of money. So, we got together and made an elaborate plan to have the bonanza taking advantage of our huge fan bases.

SK: What was the planning like?

We approached several companies. Fortunately, Luso TV offered to sponsor the prize money and, as a committee, we sourced money to pay for accommodation and fuel for Blantyre teams. The idea worked and each team returned home K2.2 million richer.

SK: What was the criterion for sharing the proceeds since sizes of the fan bases are not the same?

AK:

In this kind of set-up, it is important not to be greedy. Yes, Bullets and Wanderers enjoy larger following, but in their own right, the other clubs were also important as they brought excitement and a new dimension to the challenge, hence the equal sharing.

SK: What next after this success

AK:

The committee of three representatives from each club will continue working together. We are planning to have another bonanza in December. We plan to entice companies to provide the teams branded jerseys at a fee. There are unlimited opportunities in this venture, we just need time to explore more.

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