Reserve Bank Malawi (RBM), sponsors of newly-crowned TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers, have approved the club’s request to take part in the next edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
The Central Bank has also committed to buy the club a top-of-the-range team bus.
Speaking during a cocktail party at Reserve Bank Wellness Centre in Area 47, Lilongwe on Saturday night to celebrate the league title, RBM governor Dr Wilson Banda said management was impressed with the feat.
“We are very, very happy to win the league. It has taken us 11 years to get here and you can imagine how excited we are. We are over the moon,” he said.
“I am happy for the boys, the club, the fans and the coaching staff. But we need this to be sustained. Win this year, win next year and win the other year.”
Banda pledged continued sponsorship for the club, saying by sponsoring Silver, the Central Bank is contributing towards the success of the Malawi National Football Team.
He said: “Most of the national team players come from Silver, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers. So, if we make Silver a vibrant team,
it means we are contributing towards football development in the country.
“On CAF tournament participation, we have no issues with that, we are ready to support them, but they should write us formally.
“We have won the championship, but the team needs to demonstrate that they are ready to participate… That they have the capacity to participate at that level. For us it’s just a financial support.”
Turning to the issue of the bus, he said it has already been purchased.
“I can tell you that we have already ordered the bus and it will be here soon. It’s just an issue of procurement. Now that you are champions, you need a bus that is decent, suitable and comfortable to move you around,” said Banda, drawing applause from players.
As a token of appreciation for winning the league and setting the tone for the festive season, he announced a special financial package for the club.
Said Banda: “We have arranged a certain amount of money to be shared amongst players and the technical staff. I am not allowed to disclose the amount by our lawyers. But it’s something that you can use to buy yourself some items during Christmas and the money will be in your accounts by Monday.”
Silver Strikers Company Limited board chairperson George Kaudza Masina thanked RBM for acting on the club’s needs.
He said: “We really need a spacious bus and we are happy today that the governor has told us that it has already bee procured.
“On CAF participation, we are ready as a team and believe we are up to competition. We are glad that RBM has again approved to support us financially to participate,” he said.
Team captain Chikondi Kamanga also thanked RBM for being patient with the club and supporting it despite years of drought in relation to winning the league.
The event on Saturday was graced by Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya and general secretary Alfred Gunda.
RBM deputy governors Dr William Matambo and Dr MacDonald Mafuta Mwale were also present
