ootball Association of Malawi (FAM), in partnership with Ecobank, has donated a Ford Ranger with a trailer worth K14 million to the Association of People with Albinism (Apam).
The car, which will be used as a security vehicle for the body, was procured duty-free through proceeds from the 2019 Ecobank Charity Shield that involved eventual winners Nyasa Big Bullets, Be Forward Wanderers, Blue Eagles and Masters Security.
Speaking when he presented the vehicle yesterday, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said the donation was a manifestation that football remains a great tool for solving some of the country’s social and economic challenges.
“It feels good that we are capable of achieving bigger things with football and this donation proves that apart from providing wholesome entertainment to the public, the sport can help solve social ills. We believe that, previously, football was underutilised,” he said.
Nyamilandu also thanked Ecobank for providing K12 million sponsorship, which was seed money for the event, and the participating teams for their support.
Apam national coordinator Overstone Kondowe said they were grateful for the four-wheel drive vehicle, which will ease their operational challenges, especially during rescue missions of their members in hard-to-reach areas.
“This support shows that football is not only meant for leisure but also for the promotion of rights for the marginalised,” he said.
Ecobank head of commercial and consumer banking Victoria Chanza said they are proud to have partnered FAM for a good cause and they will continue with their support. The 2019 Charity Shield, which saw Bullets winning it for the fourth successive time after beating rivals Wanderers 1-0 in the final in March, was dedicated to the protection and advocacy against the brutal killings, abductions and persecution of people with albinism.
