Carslberg Cup future misty, sponsor yet to give FAM nod

The Carlsberg Cup, which is behind schedule, is set to delay further as FAM is still waiting for the sponsor’s nod.

According to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) calendar, the tournament was supposed to be unveiled on April 23 with the actual kick-off set for last month.

But FAM competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka yesterday said they were still waiting to hear from the sponsors, Castel Malawi.

“On our part, we have been ready all along, but we cannot start without the sponsor’s approval.

“So, all we have to do for now is wait,” he said.

On his part, Castel Malawi senior brands manager (alcoholic beverages) Widdey Nsona yesterday said they will make an announcement on the way forward in due course.

“We are still discussing internally as well as with other stakeholders and we will make an announcement in due course,” he said.

The delay is likely to affect the 2019 local football calendar.

On April 30, Nsona attributed the delay to commit sponsorship to certain outstanding issues that needed to be sorted out with FAM.

“We have delayed because there are issues that we are still discussing with FAM. Every year we have to review the requirements based on things that happen on the market,” he said then.

However, football analyst George Kaudza Masina said it would help for the sponsor to speed up the process to avoid affecting the calendar further.

“Already, the calendar has been affected as a result of this delay and the sooner the sponsor comes out with a clear position, the better,” he said.

Masters Security are the holders of the K40 million cup after beating Be Forward Wanderers on post-match penalties in last year’s final.