Epac owner U-turns on sponsorship
Super League relegation battlers Epac United financier Dini Josaya Banda has vowed to continue sponsoring the club even if it drops into the Central Region Football Association (CRFA) Premier League on Saturday.
Josaya recently threatened to withdraw sponsorship after fellow Super League teams were continuously poaching players from the club, a development he said was affecting its form.
On Sunday, Epac beat Mafco 4-3 to enhance their chances of survival on a day Fisd Wizards and Airborne Rangers’ relegation was confirmed after losing to Be Forward Wanderers and Azam Tigers respectively.
Meanwhile, Epac are gearing up for a must win encounter against fellow relegation haunted outfit Dedza Young Soccer Saints. A loss or draw would confirm their drop into the lower league.
Commenting on the team’s form this season, Josaya continued to blame other clubs for bringing instability into his side through signing of its key players.
Notable players that left Epac are Mussa Manyenje, Jaffalie Chande and Pilirani Zonda who are now at champions elect Big Bullets.
“I used to worry a lot about this poaching but now I have accepted it as part of the game,” he said. “What we are focusing on now is that we should develop more players so that when others have left, good form should continue.”
On sponsorship, Josaya said: “Epac is like my child, therefore, I will continue to finance it regardless of the outcome of their Saturday’s match.
“Whatever happens this coming weekend, relegation or not, I will continue to sponsor this team. But I am optimistic that we will survive relegation.”
The sponsor was hopeful that, if relegated, they will only spend one season in the lower league before earning promotion again.
“What I will do is that I will motivate the players by not reducing the salaries, game bonuses and allowances which they are receiving now,” he said. “This I am sure will lead to most players staying at the club and giving their best performances.”
Epac have 27 points from 27 matches and a win over Dedza, who have 29 points from the same number of games, will secure their Super League status.n
