Evirom FC coach Paul Kachingwe has called for additional financial support to the Ndirande side which sealed their TNM Super League promotion with an unassailable 84 points on Monday.
“Our sponsor is ready to support us, but the Super League is at another level that requires more resources. We still need well-wishers to join hands with our sponsor. On the technical side, we will beef up the defence, midfield and striking force,” Kachingwe said on Tuesday.
Evirom, who are sponsored by entrepreneur Emmanuel Viola, saw off Cobbe Barracks 1-0 courtesy of Harold Zulu’s strike in a Premier Division match played at the BAT Ground.
Evirom, who have played 36 games in the 20-member division, wind up the season against second-placed Chikhwawa United (77 points from 36 games) and third- placed Thondwe United with 64 points from 33 games.
In the last two seasons, no team from the Peter Mutharika Southern Region Football League (SRFL) has survived on entry into the Super League due to many factors, including players’ burnout and lack of depth and resources.
But Kachingwe hoped for the best. Viola earlier challenged that his business of hiring out forklift trucks earns enough to keep the team going, saying he had bought a team bus which will also be operating as a passenger vehicle to supplement income.
“I knew that we would find ourselves getting promoted with limited time to prepare for the Super League, so we looked at some options including beefing up our squad,” said Kachingwe whose captain Harold Zulu leads in the golden boot chase on 28 goals.
Evirom join in the Super League Super Eagles from Simama Northern Region Football League (NRFL) and Mponela United of the Chipiku Central Region Football League (CRFL), replacing relegated Bvumbwe Research, Escom United and Kabwafu.
SRFL vice-general secretary Kingsley Simbeye on Tuesday noted that while Evirom have exciting talent, the issue of resources could be critical if they are to survive in the Super League. An away game can cost over K300 000 (about $750) in travel expenses, allowances and accommodation.
