TNM releases K62m for top 3

TNM plc, sponsors of the TNM Super League, have accepted to clubs’ plea to give out prize money to the deserving teams before the official prize presentation ceremony.

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has since confirmed that as a departure from the norm, TNM has released K62.5 million for the top three teams.

In an interview yesterday, Sulom president Tiya  Somba-Banda said: “Teams appealed to us considering that some of their players’ contracts were ending on 31st December 2022 and we felt it was imperative to pay their dues then.

“That is why we facilitated the payments to ensure that the clubs’ contractual obligations shouldn’t spill over and are paid within the contracts.

“It was only practical since the winners were already known unlike the individual awards, who will be awarded on the prize presentation day.”

Champions Nyasa Big Bullets and runners-up Blue Eagles hailed the sponsor for the gesture.

Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said: “It is very commendable other than wait to disburse the money during the prize presentation, months after the conclusion of the league.”

On his part, Eagles vice-general secretary Gomezgani Mchawi said: “This is commendable as prize presentation can still be held symbolically after teams have distributed the money to the players before they go on off-season.” As champions, Bullets got K40 million, second-placed Eagles received K15 million while Kamuzu Barracks, who finished third, got K7.5 million.