FAM says no need for more sponsors

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says for now, it has enough sponsors for top-flight cup competitions and its concentration will  be to negotiate increase of existing sponsorship packages.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said having another cup would strain clubs financially and affect the football calendar.

He said: “The sponsors we have now are enough. We cannot have more competitions because it leads to financial burden on the clubs and it also stretches our calendar.

“Instead, we will be negotiating for increased packages with the existing sponsors.”

Nyamilandu also said players need ample time to rest.

In separate interviews, Civil Service (Civo) United general secretary Ronald Chiwaula and  Mighty Tigers co-director Robin Alufandika on Monday said they are in agreement with FAM’s decision.

Said Chiwaula: “I definitely agree with that idea because players need ample time to rest. They are human, they are not machines.”

“Instead of being overwhelmed with cup competitions, FAM should indeed channel its energy towards negotiating for increased sponsorships.”

On his part, Alufandika said: “What FAM is saying makes sense provided they walk the talk on negotiating for increased sponsorship packages.

“For a club that is not sponsored like ours, we spend a lot of money on preparing and fulfilling  fixtures.”

Silver Strikers chief executive officer Thoko Chimbali said while the move is commendable, there is need to strike a balance.

He said: “I agree with him [Nyamilandu] that having a congested fixture might result in players wearing out and it might not be good for their health as well.

“So, having a manageable number of competitions like the Super League and two cups is appreciated.

“But we also need to look at an angle where these competitions are also a source of income through gate collections and prize monies.

“So, the greater the number of competitions, the more revenue the teams would realise; hence, the need to strike a balance.”

Football analyst George Kaudza Masina said FAM’s reasoning on the issue  is justifiable. 

He said: “The more the trophies, the more the clubs will get stretched financially.  At the same time,  the football calendar will be of concern as the season will likely be stretched too.

“The best way is to convince the present sponsors to consider increasing the current stakes mostly the league sponsors.”