World football governing body Fifa has appointed Football Association of Malawi (FAM) commercial and marketing director Limbani Matola as Poland Under-20 World Cup Marketing Venue Manager.
Matola will be responsible for ticket sales and hospitality at match venues during the tournament to be held between May 23 and June 15.
Matola emerged the successful candidate among 10 applicants from the African and Caribbean Region in a vacancy released by Fifa in January, 2019.
He has been assigned to implement Fifa commercial affiliates contractual rights and act as a point of contact for local organising committee and Fifa for all marketing related questions at BYDGOSZCZ, one of the venues for the World Cup.
Reacting to his appointment, Matola said he is delighted that his application was successful and honoured God for the achievement.
“This is a very humbling experience. I thank God Almighty that my application and motivation letters pleased Fifa and I proceeded to the skype interview where I was also successful,” he said.
Matola said his appointment is an indication that the world is recognising the efforts that Malawi through FAM is doing in as far as improving the game is concerned and a motivation to the association.
“This is a proof that the continuous efforts we are executing to market and improve the game at local level albeit out shortfalls are being noticed at local level.
“This is a great motivation for us to do more”, he said.
Among other duties, Matola will be responsible for implementing on-site operations; ensuring that Fifa commercial affiliates contractual rights are considered and delivered to a high quality standard; implementing and reviewing logistical and operational elements of commercial rights; organising the markets office, both in the stadium and in Fifa Hotel; producing accurate and detailed venue reports and debrief reports and showing and being the main contact for the Fifa General Coordinator for all marketing related matters and other Fifa venues staff in general.
Matola’s appointment comes just two weeks after assistant referee Bernadetter Kwimbira-Mzika was selected to officiate at the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup in France from June 7 to July 7.
This is the second time for Kwimbira-Mzika, who is among seven African assistant referees selected, to grace the women’s football biggest stage after running the line at the 2015 World Cup in Canada.
