Standard Bank raises trophy sponsorship
Standard Bank (Malawi) has increased Standard Bank Knockout Trophy sponsorship by K5 million (about $12 500) to K25 million (about $62 500).
But the bank has since issued a stern warning against violence, saying that would lead to withdrawal of the sponsorship.
Making the announcement during the launch of the 2013 edition at Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre on Fridayevening, Standard Bank chief finance officer Temwani Simwaka said they believe in peaceful football.
“We have noted with sadness some recent pockets of violence that erupted among football lovers at match venues. We will, therefore, remain committed to sponsoring football as long as everybody avoids such unbecoming behaviour.
“Let us refrain from violence at soccer matches because that would scare us away. As a peaceful brand, we believe in moving forward with peaceful football,” said Simwaka, whose organisation has been sponsoring the annual event for six years.
In response, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said they will do everything possible to safeguard the credibility of the sport, which has seen a number of sponsors withdrawing their support due to violence.
“We are aware that, with just one bad action, we can easily lose what we have gained after years of hard work,” he said.
Commenting on the recent rivalry between supporters of military and civilian teams, Nyamilandu urged the two sides to avoid provoking each other.
He said everybody is concerned about violence and hooliganism and “I hope the message is clear. We need to behave in an exemplary manner. I hope Standard Bank is not asking too much from us. Let us not turn football venues into battlefields.”
Bullets chairperson Malinda Chinyama and Azam Tigers technical director Robin Alufandika, who attended the function, said they were touched by the bank’s warning.
The two appealed to supporters of all teams, players and officials to behave well during the contest.
The contest will see eight teams engaged in a three-week action starting from October 16 to November 2. The ultimate champions will get K8 million (about $20 000) whereas the runner-up will pocket K4 million (about $10 000). The third-placed team will receive K500 000 (about $1 250) while, for the first time, all teams from position four to eight will cart home K250 000 (about $625) each.
Defending champions Mighty Wanderers, Silver Strikers, Big Bullets, Red Lions, Civo United and Blantyre United have been seeded for being among the top-six teams in last year’s contest.
