Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daudi, who is also Member of Parliament for Dowa South East, has increased football sponsorship for her constituents from K1 million to K1.5 million.
In an interview with The Nation, on Wednesday, Daudi said she thought of increasing the sponsorship to make the tournament more competitive so as to attract talent.
“The success of the previous competition has encouraged me to increase sponsorship. Last year, we had 18 teams which was overwhelming. It demonstrated the passion that is there for football in my constituency. I thought of adding value to the competition by increasing the stakes,” said Daudi who also sponsored a netball trophy to the tune of K250 000.
According to Daudi, she has doubled the stakes in netball.
She said by sponsoring sports she is complementing government efforts at the grass roots.
The tournament’s organising secretary, Issa Cran, said the competition was successful because some players who took part have been roped into KIA Eagles, who play in the Central Region Football League.
“People love football here in Dowa and the sponsorship has done a lot to fill the vacuum on football sponsorship. Now, we have players in the Central Region team. They will get exposure and can be material for the Flames,” said Cran.
Roberts Madrid are the reigning champions of Daudi Football Trophy while runners up are Living Waters Gunners. In netball, Dowa Police are the champions.
This year’s tournament, which will run for six months, will start in February. n
