By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The highly anticipated harmonized Football Association of Malawi (FAM) inaugural awards ceremony slated for the February 21st faces a challenge as major stakeholders Airtel Malawi and TNM will not be part of the initiative.
The exciting event set for Sunbird Hotel in Blantyre, will award outstanding coaches, players, Referees in both men’s and Women’s in all competitions held in 2024 season.
The body is also expected to recognize exceptional performance in both men’s and Women’s national teams apart despite the pulling out of Airtel Malawi sponsors of the Airtel Top 8 and TNM Super league sponsors, TNM PLC other two stakeholders, Castel Challenge Cup sponsors, Castel Malawi and FDH Bank plc who sponsor FDH Bank Cup are part of the initiative.
FAM competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed to Nation Newspaper that mobile network service operators will hold separate awards for Airtel Top8 and TNM Super league.
He said, “our wish is to have one football awards event. We lobbied all stakeholders to come on board. FDH Bank and Castel Malawi agreed to do so. However, in the inaugural event we will not have TNM and Airtel. This is not possible due to contractual issues.
“TNM and Airtel will hold their separate awards as under their contractual agreements with FAM. But it’s a process and we are hopeful that in future, we will all have one FAM Football awards as one family,” Zakazaka told the nation.
Castel Malawi head of corporate marketing and communications Lavern Chitakata their coming onboard highlights a commitment to supporting football development.
“Castel Malawi sees these awards as an investment in Malawian football to help in talent development, professionalism and competitiveness,” he said.
On his part FDH financial Holdings Limited senior marketing manager Ronald Chimchere said this emphasizes their dedication to ensuring the success of the awards.
“As FDH Bank Cup sponsor, our goal is to see the inaugural sports awards succeed and we will work with FAM to ensure the athletes are celebrated in the right way.
“The awards will be bigger and better with combined effort. This will provide a missive platform to celebrate the deserving,” he said.
TNM brands and communication manager Limbani Nsapato confirmed they will hold their usual TNM Super league gala.
