End sports blackout

Newly-appointed Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola has asked Escom management to consider resuming football and netball sponsorships as one way of promoting its brand and fighting mental health issues.

He made the request when he met Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) officials in Blantyre on Sunday.

The minister said the company used to sponsor a football team called Escom United which was a force to reckon with on the local scene.

Said Matola: “I have asked Escom management to look into the aspect of bringing back netball and football sponsorships because today there are many mental issues taking place in our homes and even at work places.

“To ease that pressure, we need to socialise by bringing back some of the activities which were there during the old days so that Escom can raise its flag in terms of social responsibility.”

Responding to the minister’s proposal, Escom acting chief executive officer Clement Kanyama said the matter will be presented to the company’s board.

“We are a State-owned company and the minister has explained better why it is important for corporate entities to support sporting activities,” he said.

Kanyama said the power utility firm is committed to support and sponsor sporting activities in the country, but would need the board’s guidance.

Escom United, which later changed to Super Escom, became a household name in football circles, while Escom Sisters, now called Kukoma Diamonds, was a giant in netball.

The football club was founded in 1992 and managed to win three Super League titles in 2007, 2008 and 2010 before disbanding in 2012.

Some of the big names that played for the team were Peter Mponda, Leo Mpulula, Aubrey Nankhuni, the late Stevie Gwetsa, Peter Wadabwa, Limbikani Mzava, Chiukepo Msowoya, Chimango Kayira, Maupo Msowoya and the late Noel Mkandawire.

For the netball side, notable players included Mwawi Kumwenda and Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, who are now based in Europe.