As the first-round of the Super League concludes this afternoon, sponsors TNM have expressed satisfaction with management, level of competition and increased patronage.
Briefing Nation on Sunday, TNM communications manager Limbani Nsapato said most of the games in the first-round have been well patronised unlike it was the case at the same stage last year.
“From the figures we have see, patronage has increased significantly. The level of competition, too, was high. We have no runaway leaders as only three points separate the two teams. It means competition is tough,” said Nsapato.
Blue Eagles will go into the second-round as leaders with 32 points, followed by Silver Strikers with 29 points whereas Mafco are third with 28 points.
The sponsors also described the coming of Beta TV as a milestone.
Nsapato described the purchase of TV rights and the beaming of live matches as a new era in the administration of football.
“As sponsors, it is in our interest to see as many people as possible be able to watch the games. Through live televised matches, it means millions of people are now able to watch the games in the comfort of their homes. We say ‘thank you’ Sulom,” said Nsapato.
TNM, however, expressed dismay with the recurrence of violence, describing it as a dent on the first-round.
“Much as we would have loved a violent-free first-round, we got reports of violence in Dwangwa and Mzuzu and that is a dent on an otherwise successful first-round. But we cannot fault Sulom on that. Our appeal is to the fans to desist from violence. Out of 104 games, it is only two games where violence was reported,” said Nsapato.
Sulom head Innocent Bottoman also described the first-round as a great success.
“It has been a smooth going overall. The fans behaved and attendance at match venues increased. More, importantly, is the TV rights deal. Clubs will now be able to benefit from the package with Beta TV as you know most teams have no stable sponsorship,” said Bottoman.
He, however, expressed worry with the performance of rookies Dwangwa United, Karonga United and Max Bullets.
“Going by their current performance it’s not promising. It seems they are not up to competition. It is a worrying trend as it shows football in the lower league is not vibrant,” said Bottoman. n
