President’s omission of sports sparks alarm
President Peter Mutharika’s inaugural speech omitted any mention on development of sports, sparking fears that—just like the previous government —it will not be a priority for the new regime.
Mutharika’s speech only touched on social and economic services, security, rule of law, media and public information, food security, education, international cooperation and social welfare.
“We know there are important areas which will need urgent government attention such as health and education, but we feel sports is important, too. And we hoped that there will be something concrete on sports in his speech, but there was nothing. We are worried that sports will not be a priority again,” said a senior sports figure at the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) who opted for anonymity.
Despite the executive-level silence on bold sports plans, the elevation to power of Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has given hope to the Women Football League Committee (WFLC) and Complex Tigresses (formerly Bingu Tigresses).
Already, the new regime has released funds for the running of the Southern Region Football League. It has also pledged continued sponsorship.
“The fact that he sponsored the league while in opposition gives us increased hope that women football will develop,” said National Women Football Committee (NWFC) president Severia Chalira in a telephone interview on Tuesday.
Mutharika has been sponsoring women football leagues in all the three regions of the country for the past four seasons.
Complex Tigresses, too, say they are excited at the coming in of the DPP government.
“Of course, it is exciting but it is too early for us to engage the new government on sponsorship. This is off season and we are yet to meet as an executive to discuss the issue. I will have direction once the executive meets,” said Tigresses team manager Helene Mpinganjira in a telephone interview from Blantyre.
The Mutharika family had pledged to continue sponsoring Tigresses in honour of the late Bingu. But the sponsorship was halted after court battles involving the late Mutharika’s estate.
