Malawi’s football powerhouses—Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers—have expressed concern over Carlsberg Malawi’s delay to announce the outcome of the ultimate sponsorship contest, saying the development could affect their plans ahead of the new season.
Carlsberg Malawi officials requested for a questionnaire when we sought their comment on Wednesday, but we did not get a response.
Carlsberg Malawi sponsored the two big guns to the tune of K15 million (about $37 500) each last season and said they would compete for the ultimate sponsorship based on three factors—discipline, performance and fairplay.
But with the new season just around the corner, the giant brewer is yet to announce the results, a development that has fuelled speculation on social media networks.
Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire and his Nomads counterpart David Kanyenda said the delay has become fertile ground for speculation which may lead to unnecessary tension.
Said Mkandawire: “We are equally concerned that up to now, Carlsberg are yet to announce the outcome of the ultimate sponsorship.
“The sooner they come out on the issue, the better because this is the appropriate time for teams to plan ahead of the new season; but with the current situation, it would be difficult.
“With due respect to the sponsor, what they need to bear in mind is that the team that does not succeed in the sponsorship bid has to be given ample time to map the way forward in terms of hunting for an alternative. Unfortunately, our hands are tied and there is nothing we can do about the situation.”
Kanyenda said: “There is a lot of speculation. Unfortunately, based on the contractual obligations with Carlsberg Malawi, we are not permitted to comment much on the issue as it could jeorpadise our chances of clinching the [ultimate] sponsorship.
“But suffice to say, yes, the delay has become a fertile ground for speculation like it was on social networks yesterday [Tuesday] when it was speculated that we had actually landed the sponsorship.
“The truth of the matter though is that we have not received any communication and this could create unnecessary tension. It is not a healthy situation.”
Both officials appealed to Carlsberg Malawi to make a prompt decision for the good of all stakeholders.
However, Carlsberg Malawi senior brands manager [alcoholics] Twikale Chirwa referred the matter to the company’s spokesperson Towera Munthali.
“Drop us an e-mail through our spokesperson so that we can respond accordingly,” said Chirwa.
However, he dismissed rumours that were awash on social media networks that they had chosen the blue side of town.
“That is absolutely not true, those are just mere rumours,” said Chirwa.
But at the time of going to press, Carlsberg Malawi were yet to respond to our questionnaire.
Interestingly, both teams claim to have met the conditions that would determine the ultimate sponsorship.
