Pamtsetse Bonanza targets K50 million

Nzika Flood Response are targeting to raise over K50 million from the Pamtsetse Soccer Bonanza scheduled for next weekend at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Nzika has partnered TNM, NBS Bank and Football Association of Malawi to raise money towards flood victims.

During a press briefing at Bingu International Covention Centre in Lilongwe yesterday, Nzika Flood Response team leader Gift Nankhuni said they are optimistic of raising on average K15 million from each game.

He said: “We plan to raise on average K15 million and a maximum of K30 million on each day. Apart from gate collections, people are asked to donate and tellers from NBS Bank and TNM staff will be moving around to collect the money. We appeal to Malawians to join hands and donate either money, food items or clothes.”

On her part, TNM chief channels officer Phyllis Manguluti announced that every fan that will watch the games on both days will get K1000 free airtime.

“We are the sponsors of the event with NBS Bank. But apart from the gate collections, every fan will get a scratch card of K1 000 each. Let us join hands to support this cause and help flood victims to recover,” she said.

Nankhuni said K15 million is budgeted to cater for teams and other expenses.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) deputy director for disaster recovery Peter Lackson Chimangeni said victims of Cyclone Ana are in dire need.

He said: “The situation is not good. Over 945 000 people have been affected. Some have lost homes, livestock, farms and businesses. The recovery budget is at K70 billion. We need every assistance we can get. We are delighted that Malawians have taken it upon themselves to raise money through football.”

FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda also thanked Nzika, TNM and NBS Bank for the initiative.

He said: “FAM is happy to work with Nzika, TNM and NBS. We are grateful that TNM and NBS support good causes to alleviate the challenges facing flood victims.

“We would like to call on football lovers to patronise the bonanza so that we can support our brothers and sisters that have been affected by the floods. We promise to deliver the best competition.”