First Capital U-20 League package up to K35m

First Capital Bank (FCB) Under-20 Football League sponsorship has been increased to K35 million from last year’s K30 million.

During the pre-launch cocktail and media awards in Blantyre on Thursday, the bank’s acting chief executive officer Thomas Kadantot said it is in the spirit of good citizenship that sees FCB (formerly FMB) continue to partner with the National Youth Football Association (NYFA). 

“It is our hope that through such gestures, the league continues to provide a platform for the growth of the beautiful game. This will be our first sponsorship under the FCB banner that promises new beginnings,” he said.

“2019 marks 12 years of the bank’s support to the league and we continue to take pride in being a trusted and faithful partner. As our motto clearly states ‘Belief comes first’, that the league will continue to inspire belief in the youths.”

NYFA chairperson Chimango Munthali thanked the bank for the increased package saying it will go a long way in nurturing talent in 168 teams in 14 districts of the country.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said the local soccer governing body was happy that every year they always hear good news from the bank.

“Having rebranded last year, I was afraid that we would be invited to be surprised with news of pulling out as most corporates do after rebranding but I was wrong! Not only have you reaffirmed continued support, you have also increased the funding,” he said.

Nyamilandu added that the bank’s continued support is the driver of Malawi football success as the Under-20 league contributes a lot of players to both elite league clubs and the national teams.

In media awards, Nation Publication Limited’s (NPL) Solomon Manda emerged as the best journalist in print category followed by Mabvuto Kambuwe of Times Group.

Lucy Kadzongwe of Rainbow Television (TV) was the best in TV while Times Group’s Mphatso Malidadi was the best photo-journalist. Frank Kandu of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) scooped the best radio journalist accolade followed by Ufulu Radio’s Foster Mkwamba. Chikondi Magalasi of Malawi 24 was the best online reporter.