Super League of Malawi (Sulom) says it has successfully negotiated with Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to increase subventions for TNM Super League teams.
In the just-ended season, the association gave the 16 teams K10 million each while the flagship league sponsors, TNM plc, also also gave them a similar amount.
Sulom president Colonel Gilbert Mittawa was quoted by Zodiak Broadcasting Station yesterday as having said that FAM executive committee already approved their request.
“I had a discussion with the [FAM] president [Fleetwood Haiya] on the issue considering the economic situation and it was taken up with the FAM ex-co which approved our request,” he was quoted as saying.
Mittawa said they expect the subvention to increase from the current K20 million at least K30 million each team.
But FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda had not responded to our questionnaire to confirm the development at press time yesterday.
TNM Super League clubs we spoke to yesterday said the increase will be a big push considering the current economic challenges.
In an interview, FCB Nyasa Bullets acting chief executive officer (CEO) Albert Chigoga said considering the prevailing economic hardtimes, any increment would still be appreciated.
“What is important are baby steps we are taking to get to where we desire to be as clubs. Hopefully, this will continue to get better,” he said.
On his part, Chitipa United general secretary Watson Kabaghe also described it as a welcome development.
“It will definitely go a long way in supporting clubs’ operations and player welfare, especially for a community team like ours,” he said.
“As Chitipa United FC, we appreciate the efforts by FAM and Sulom in advocating for increased support for clubs. This move will help reduce the financial burden on clubs and enable us to focus on developing our teams and competing at the highest level.”
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers CEO Panganeni Ndovi also described the move as fantastic news.
He said: “Football development has always needed consistent support and increasing the subvention is a significant step in the right direction.
“Running clubs comes with immense costs, from player welfare to logistics, and this assistance will undoubtedly ease some of those burdens.
“It’s encouraging to see the game being transformed slowly but surely, with initiatives like these laying the foundation for sustainable growth. With proper management, this boost can help clubs focus more on performance and development, which benefits the entire football ecosystem. Credit to FAM and Sulom for prioritising progress.”
