TNM Super cash!

TNM plc yesterday cleared the cloud of uncertainty that surrounded its romance with local football for the Super League by unveiling an increased sponsorship package from K150 million to K500 million a year for three years.

Amid a wild applause from those that witnessed the event at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre yesterday, the mobile network service provider also hiked the winner’s purse from K40 million to K100 million, representing a 150 percent hike.

TNM plc chief executive officer Michel Hebert said after many weeks of pondering over their partnership with local football, “we at TNM are back to reiterate our commitment towards the game”.

He said: “To emphasise our commitment, allow me to make the following announcements.”

There was silence as the audience held its breath to hear what Hebert had up his sleeve.

Said Hebert: “The first and most important announcement is our decision to increase the sponsorship package from K150 million to a whopping K500 million or half a billion kwacha!  In addition, we have increased the package for the league winner or champion from K40 million to a staggering K100 million.”

He said the increment has come with upward adjustments in all prize categories, components of administering the league and emoluments for all key stakeholders, including team subvention.

Said Hebert: “We at TNM would like to affirm our commitment to remain a reliable and trusted partner of football in Malawi. Over the last 17 years, TNM remained a faithful and staunch ally of Malawi football, resulting in major transformations in the game.

“The next decades will see us applying mobile technology to further catalyse Malawi football into the next big thing. The football revolution has come and Malawi’s dream to qualify for the World Cup is about to come true.

“As we embark on the next chapter, we promise to continue evolving together with the game while elevating Malawi football at the international level. Our hope is that you will join in supporting TNM as we continue this exciting journey.” 

TNM has also increased prize money for the runners-up from K15 million to K40 million while the third-placed team will get K30 million.

For the first time since TNM took over the sponsorship of the top-flight league in 2006, it has increased the clubs’ subvention from K1 million to K10 million each.

The most improved team will get K4 million while the most disciplined supporters will walk away with K1 million.

In individual prizes, the Player of the Season will walk away with K3 million, the Top Goal Scorer will receive K2 million while the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, coach and rookie of the season will get K1 million each.

The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) and clubs have since hailed TNM for the increase.

Sulom president Colonel Gilbert Mittawa described the increase as a milestone.

FCB Nyasa Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga in an interview yesterday said: “K100 million is substantial. This will enhance competition in the league.”

On his part, Silver Strikers chief executive officer Patrick Chimimba said: “This is commendable, at least clubs will have something to fight for.”

Newly-promoted Creck Sporting Club board chairperson Muhammad Seleman described it as a welcome development.

He said: “We commend the sponsors TNM and Sulom for agreeing this new deal.”

TNM sponsorship was shrouded in mystery after Sulom unveiled a  co-sponsor upon agreeing a K260 million deal