By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has praised Nyasa Capital Finance Bank for its significant contributions to football development at the grassroots level over the past three years.
FAM’s General Secretary, Alfred Gunda, made these remarks on Saturday during the unveiling ceremony of the third edition of the Nyasa Capital Finance Regional Cups at the Bingu National Stadium in the capital, Lilongwe.
Gunda emphasized that Nyasa Capital Finance’s initiative is crucial for the development of the sport in the country and is a rarity.
“It is one of the most commendable initiatives that football needs in our country. For the sport to grow, we need to support its roots, and where Nyasa Capital Finance has been providing financial support is precisely where we are nurturing our talent,” Gunda remarked.
“To ensure that our future football stars are not accidental but developed systematically, they must have opportunities for competition at the youth level. Nyasa Capital Finance has invested millions over three years by supporting regional associations. I would like to appeal to Malawian investors to follow the lead of Nyasa Capital Finance and sponsor the sport at all levels,” Gunda added.
The outgoing Chairman of Nyasa Capital Finance Bank, Fleetwood Haiya, commended the three regional associations (NRFA, SRFA, CRFA) for effectively managing the funds provided.
Haiya highlighted the significant role that the cup has played in developing football in the country since its inception in 2021.
“We have witnessed teams that participated in the cup, such as Chitipa United and Bangwe, performing well in the elite league. We are delighted to see talent being scouted and nurtured. Some of the players have moved on to play for prominent clubs and the national team.
“We anticipate that this edition will be even more exciting and competitive. I would like to express our gratitude to FAM for allowing the bank to venture into football sponsorship. Additionally, our market base has expanded significantly over the years,” says Haiya.
Chairman of the Southern Region Football Association, Raphael Humba, speaking on behalf of all three regions, emphasized that the sponsorship has positively transformed football in the regions, both in terms of management and increased competition among teams.
“We witnessed fierce competition among Division One and Premier Division teams in the 2022 edition, with surprising and thrilling results. The increased sponsorship will undoubtedly boost team morale. I want to assure the sponsors and FAM that we will run the cups with professionalism and enthusiasm,” Humba added.
The sponsorship package has been raised from MK65 million to MK70 million, with each region expected to receive a share of over MK23 million.
The regional Cups are scheduled to commence in October and are anticipated to conclude before the end of December in all three regions.
