United Purpose (UP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has been unveiled as the new sponsors of the Southern Region Football Association (SFRA) League.
Unveiling the sponsorship in Blantyre yesterday, UP marketing manager Liviness Msafu said they will be sponsoring the league through their Chitetezo Mbaula brand to the tune of K11 million for a year.
The league will be launched this weekend in Mangochi. The Premier League champions will receive K1.8 million while the runners-up will get K1 million. The third-placed team will receive K500 000.
In Division One, the winners will get K1 Million with the runners-up pocketing K500 000 while the third-placed team will receive K300 000. There will also be K50 000 for the Golden Boot Award.
Msafu said that through this sponsorship, they believe that the Chitetezo Mbaula brand will become a household name.
“With this sponsorship, we want to create an environment whereby families should have their meals quickly and then rush to watch the game. This is because Chitetezo Mbaula is effective.
“We want to associate ourselves in developing this popular sport through this sponsorship,” she said.
SRFA chairperson Raphael Humba thanked UP for the sponsorship and assured them of smooth running of the league, transparency and accountability to ensure that they extend the deal next year.
“We are happy that you’ve come in with this sponsorship after we had severed ties with our immediate past sponsors [Masters Security Services] and we want to thank you. You have made the right choice as football is the right vehicle for promoting a brand,” he said.
Humba said they mutually terminated the sponsorship contract with Masters Security Services “because they were struggling to meet the terms”.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu welcomed UP on board and assured them of their maximum support. The Chitetezo Mbaula brand will grow once the league kicks off as most of the games are played in rural areas.
“With this sponsorship, we see sustainability in the development of the game. You have made a right decision as any brand that associates with the league grows,” said Nyamilandu, citing Arkay Plastics and Masters Security Services.
UP champions access to basic, clean and modern energy which is critical to sustainable and equitable development.
