6 Super League teams wary of 2020 funding
Some of TNM Super League teams anticipate a tough 2020 season if they will not secure steady sponsorship.
Northern Region’s newly-promoted Ekwendeni Hammers,, Chitipa United, Karonga United and Mzuzu Warriors (formerly Mzuni FC), TN Stars from Central Region and Southern Region’s Ntopwa FC have say they face a gloomy future.
The six teams have been relying on some well-wishers.
Speaking in an interview, Ekwendeni Hammers vice-chairperson Benjamin Thole said they relied on individuals for the team’s operations.
“As I am talking to you, we have nothing in the team’s account. We have been relying on individuals and it will be hard to manage the team in the Super League if the situation remains the same,” he said.
Karonga United chairperson Alufeyo Chipanga said it is sad that they still have no sponsor despite writing several appeals to companies for help.
“We have lined up a number of fundraising activities to secure something for the running of the club in the 2020 be there if Super League of Malawi (Sulom) and FAM had provided a good environment that inspires companies to sponsor teams.
“It is worrisome to see that associations running football in the country are failing to support teams to secure sponsorship,” he said.
Sulom general secretary Williams Banda said the introduction of commercialisation aims at addressing such shortfalls; hence, the need for teams to embrace the initiatives.
“Sulom is a composition of clubs. Teams have no excuses on failing to meet their financial obligations towards the league. To us, financial guarantees are required for teams to take part in the league. Sponsors or destiny helpers should get ready to provide us with letters of comfort before starting playing the league games this season,” he said.
FAM competitions and media director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the association, through club licensing and compliance department, will engage the teams on how to go about improving their well-being as well as their move towards commercialisation.
“What I can say at the moment is that we are planning to have a meeting with all the teams participating in the 2020 Super League on issues to do with club licensing before the season start to evaluate issues to do with commercialisation, finances and how teams can generate income,” he said.
Last season, TNM Stars failed to honour two games and relegated Masters Security forfeited one game as players boycotted the games in protest for their unpaid allowances.
