TNM nods to BB CAF deal

TNM, sponsors of the flagship football league, have confirmed that they are finalising a deal to enable champions Big Bullets participate in the CAF Champions League.

The mobile phone network provider’s public relations and sponsorship manager Limbani Nsapato disclosed this on the sidelines of the 24th Sapota Mapeto promotion in Blantyre on Tuesday.

“We did give an assurance that we would assist Big Bullets in the campaign and I can confirm that behind the scenes we are working out something.

“We should be calling for a press briefing shortly to outline the deal,” said Nsapato.

However, he could not be drawn to disclose in what form TNM will assist the People’s Team which needs about K180 million for its continental club showpiece foray.

The development somehow eases fears on whether Bullets will take part in the continental showcase considering what soccer pundits say, are huge financial demands.

Reacting to the development, Bullets chairperson Kondi Msungama said he was happy that it was the sponsor that announced the prospective deal.

“We did not want it to come from us, but since they have come out in the open then it gives us confidence that they will indeed support us,” said Msungama.

However, the Bullets boss said while beggars cannot be choosers, they would appreciate if TNM would come out with their offer the soonest possible considering time factor.

“We are facing a race against time and that is our biggest worry,” he said.

He also said Bullets have intensified talks with other potential sponsors, but could not divulge names for fear of jeorpadising prospective deals.

Bullets have been drawn against Club Fomboni of Comoros Islands in the preliminary round.

Commenting on the progress of the Sapota Mapeto promotion, Nsapato said their target is to hit 500 SMS in the last two weeks of the campaign.

“We have now gone past 480 SMSs and in the past two weeks there has been notable improvement as compared to the previous draw,” said Nsapato.

Big Bullets still lead the promotion, having made K7.87 million so far followed by their rivals Be Forward Wanderers who have accumulated K3.7 million. In the past two weeks Bullets made K315 812 while the Nomads earned K118 412.

Blantyre United are now the least earner, replacing Red Lions having accumulated K6 328. The Reds have made K9 184.