The inaugural K280 million National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Women’s Premiership rolled out on Saturday with Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announcing that entry for first round matches will be free.
FAM president Fleetwood Haiya said this on the sidelines of the 10-team women’s top-flight league opening match that saw Kukoma Ntopwa Women beating FCB Nyasa Bullets Women 1-0 at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
He said they would like to see the women’s league being embraced by soccer lovers first before they can come up with gate charges.
“Being the inaugural elite league for women, we want to first attract more people to appreciate the entertaining nature of the women’s game,” he said.
“Once fans watch two or more games, they will appreciate what it really means to support the women’s game. Therefore, the idea of introducing gate charges will be on hold until the end of the first round.”
NBM Plc chief finance officer Daniel Jere said they bankrolled women’s football to recognise the value that women bring towards the country’s development.
“Women’s football has tremendous value and opportunities that can uplift the lives of many women that live in underserved communities,” he said.
“We want to break the barriers. Women tend to be fairly marginalised and opportunities to the girl-child are not similar to those of a boy. We would like to bring a bit of equity into the mix. There are more women in the population than men, therefore, why should we not invest in women?”
National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adellaide Migogo has since urged players to give their all during the matches to prove their capabilities and skills.
During the opening match, Esther Chauluka’s 42nd minute deflected goal was enough to seal victory for Ntopwa Women.
