Be Forward,Nomads renew contract
Be Forward Wanderers have every reason to walk tall as their sponsors—Be Forward Limited—have extended their sponsorship by another year.
This follows a successful 2016 season that saw them win a double—Carlsberg and Fisd Challenge cups. The Nomads also won the Luso TV Bus Ipite Bonanza whose prize was a 26-seater Nissan Caravan bus.
Nomads general secretary Mike Butao yesterday confirmed that the Japanese reconditioned vehicle dealer, has approved their sponsorship proposal.
“For now all I can say is that the sponsorship has been extended for another 12 months and more details will follow later,” he said.
However, a well-placed source confided in The Nation that while Be Forward were happy with the Nomads feat last season, they have set the TNM Super League title target in the coming season.
“The sponsors were happy that the team won two cups as well as the [Luso TV Bus Ipite] Bonanza, but have made it clear that winning the league title should be a must,” said the source.
However, Be Forward management could not be reached for comment yesterday, but Butao confirmed in a follow-up interview that the sponsors now want them to win the league.
“We are excited, the sponsors are also happy and they have challenged us to win the league so that we can discuss CAF participation,” he said.
Team captain Francis ‘FM7’ Mulimbika expressed gratitude to Be Forward for extending the sponsorship.
“It is great news because when there is sponsorship, players are motivated knowing that they will get something at the end of the day.
“On behalf of my team-mates, I would like to thank the sponsors wholeheartedly and give them an assurance that we will fight our lungs out to meet their expectations [of winning the league].
“If we continue with the good form that we enjoyed towards the end of last season, I do not see why we should not be strong contenders for the league, but it will require a lot of commitment from us, players,” he said.
The league title has eluded the Nomads for the past decade having last won it in 2006 during TNM’s inaugural year of sponsorship.
In the just-ended season, the Nomads finished sixth behind champions Kamuzu Barracks, Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers, Blue Eagles and Mafco FC.
Be Forward have been sponsoring the Nomads for the past two seasons. n
