Clubs’ subvention hike appeal put on hold
TNM Super League clubs will still receive the K1 million annual subvention in the 2017 season as Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has put on hold their plea for an enhanced financial backing.
The top-flight league clubs pleaded with Sulom last year to push TNM to increase next season’s allocation due to the devaluation of the kwacha in recent years. The clubs also claimed that the addition of teams from 15 to 16 increased their expenses.
However, with a month to go before the new season kicks off, Sulom general secretary Williams Banda yesterday said such changes would not be possible this year.
“The [TNM] contract is still running up to the end of 2017 season. Therefore, clubs cannot expect budgetary changes this year,” said Banda.
In spite of that, local clubs have expressed concern over Sulom’s delay to inform them about the development.
Azam Tigers technical director Robin Alufandika, Silver Strikers general secretary Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda and PremierBet Wizards owner Peter Mponda said they have not yet received an official feedback concerning their appeal from Sulom.
“If indeed that is the case, then 2017 will be even a much more painful season because, as I am talking now, the cost of living has become worse than last season.
“We do not benefit anything from the league apart from participation and clubs, such as Tigers, will die because the expenses we incur per season are just unbearable,” said Alufandika.
On his part, Chakaka-Nyirenda said: “We have not yet received feedback on the matter from Sulom and TNM. We will make a follow up and comment in due course.”
Mponda said: “It is a very big concern that we will once again endure financial struggles in 2017. However, it is understandable because the sponsorship contract Sulom and TNM signed will expire this year. We hope things will change for the better in 2018.”
