FMB impressed with league progress
FMB Bank says it is impressed with contribution their sponsorship of the national under 20 league has done towards the development of Malawi soccer.
The bank’s head of marketing Sylvia Nankwenya-Mataka said this on Friday during a press conference of the 2012 national finals slated for this coming weekend at the Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre.
Nankwenya-Mataka said the league’s contribution of 11 players in the Malawi Under-17 national team that lost to Botswana in the CAF Youth Championship is a testimony that their three-year sponsorship is bearing fruits.
“It is very encouraging that the products of the league we sponsor are going further and representing the nation.
“We also understand that there are about 22 players from the Southern Region league that have graduated to the Super League. That just give us more reasons to continue supporting this league,†she said.
FAM president Walter Nyamilandu thanked FMB for the sponsorship, which he said has complimented his association’s efforts of setting up proper developmental structures.
“When we came in office there were no youth structures and we strived to set up one and FMB came in to support us. We now have a proper graduation system because of this sponsorship,†he said.
He also clarified on the change of the venue for the finals that were initially slated for the rehabilitated Surestream Stadium.
“The stadium is now in the hands of Surestream who wants to set an academy. Their directors from UK want to officially open it in October, so we could not go ahead without them,†he said.
According to National Youth Football Committee (NYFC) general secretary Thokozani Chimbali the finals will draw six teams; two from each region.
“The six teams will be drawn in two groups and the teams will play in a round robin. The winner of each group will qualify for the finals while the runners-up will battle for third place,†said Chimbali.
 The North will be represented by Mzuzu City Rangers and City Stars whereas Hungry Lions and Young Dynamos are representing the Centre. The South will be represented by sporting Leopards and Griffin Young Stars.
 The draw will take place on Wednesday.
