Ministry moves on Sponsorship policy

 Ministry of Youth and Sports says it has formulated a National Sponsorship Policy to ensure sports associations’ financial independence.

The policy follows a five-point strategy Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama unveiled last year in Lilongwe after his appointment to the portfolio.

The five-point plan includes commercialisation of sports targeting sports federations.

“We believe sports cannot develop if national sports associations depend on government funding; hence the commercialisation strategy which is part of the National Sponsorship Policy. The policy will be launched soon after validation,” said Msungama.

He said since last year, his ministry has been holding consultations with private companies on how they can support various sports disciplines in the country as a business venture.

Said Msungama: “The sports commercialisation strategy is the proven solution to wean associations in the country of dependency on government for funding. Progress on this has been hampered because of Covid-19, since the programme requires consultations and a lot of awareness.

“So far, we have engaged private companies and embassies and other development agencies to partner with government in the programme. The policy will act as a guide to sports federations and government will be a link between companies and sports federations.”

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Zimba said the association had a meeting with government officials as well as Malawi Boxing Association (Maba) on commercialisation.

“Last November, we had a meeting with government and TNM officials at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe. A lot of good things were discussed, but we are waiting for government to inform us on the way forward,” he said.

Maba vice-president Francis Kadzoloweka confirmed meeting boxing promoters and boxers.

“It was a good and open meeting where we discussed challenges in boxing and also opportunities for companies because of how popular boxing is. We believe if we can have more of such meetings with many more companies things can improve,” he said.

Director in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Jameson Ndalama also confirmed that the meeting took place, but could not give more details.

 body asked for boxing rings and there was an indication from one of the companies that they may consider to buy the rings,” he said.

Basmal general secretary Peter Gomani said the association’s programmes are affected by financial problems.

He said: “We have plans to build courts in schools across the country to take part in Fiba-sanctioned tournaments, but we are limited financially. It’s been over a decade since the national basketball team played an international game.

“As Basmal, we want to achieve financial sustainability which will see the federation grow financially so as to be able to support our own programmes like infrastructure development.

“Most times what we get from Malawi National Council of Sports in annual subvention is not enough to cater for our activities for the year. We believe we can grow financially through such partnerships both within and outside the country,” said