Mijiga pumps K1m into beach soccer
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) aspiring president Wilkins Mijiga has pumped K1 million ($1785) into Beach Soccer Association (BSA) Bonanza scheduled for this weekend at La Riviere in Mangochi.
Mijiga’s financial support to the local football governing body’s affiliate coincides with the opening of the campaign period ahead of FAM elections in Salima on December 12.
However, he insisted yesterday that his support is not a campaign gimmick.
“As you know, a lot of people from across the globe will be in Mangochi for the Lake of Stars event and I thought it wise that a beach soccer competition could be a better way of promoting soccer and tourism in the country,” he said.
“I am looking at ways of how to cross market soccer and tourism along the lakeshores. This is not my first time in such activities because previously I also supported the Bwato Race.”
BSA vice-president Gift Chimbalanga has described the financial backing as something that will make a big impact on the progress of the sport.
“If the sponsorship is a campaign gimmick for FAM elections, it is up to him. But we are looking at this as a genuine support that will bring change to beach soccer,” he said.
The games on Saturday are expected to start at 8.30am up to 1.30pm, when they will visit Sarah’s Children Centre to donate food stuffs. Some of the Under-15 and senior teams that will participate in the contest are Sunbird Nkopola, Yagao, Zitherepano, Chipoka, Escom, MDF Marines, Nkholosa, Maldeco, Michesi and Bolingo Stars.
