Sponsors warn Bullets on funds mismanagement

Nyasa Manufacturing Company (NMC) has set out tough sponsorship conditions for Nyasa Big Bullets among them enforcement of financial prudence, averting vandalism of both institutions’ property and curbing violence during matches.

The company has since warned to withdraw their K500 million five-year sponsorship if the conditions are not met.

Both NMC and Bullets confirmed that the conditions have been outlined in the contract which the two sides officially signed in Blantyre yesterday.

Speaking at the signing ceremony which was attended by players, the company’s and club representatives, NMC chairperson Konrad Buckle said they will not hesitate to pull out if there is gross financial mismanagement at the club.

“There are a lot of clauses which will ensure that the club resources are protected,” he said, adding: “Let me say here that any misconduct in handling the money will force us to withdraw.”

On another note, Buckle has promised that Bullets will play in the CAF Champions League. He, however, did not specify when.

“We deserve to play in the continental tournament. This is just the beginning of this marriage, but we want to go far with it. We will let you when we are ready to compete in the Champions League,” he said.

Further unveiling the terms of the sponsorship contract, Bullets chairperson Sam Chilunga said NMC has also warned against vandalism of its property.

“They have asked us to do everything in our power to protect their property like bill boards,” he said.

Ironically, some vandals over the weekend destroyed NMC billboards in Limbe and Chichiri in Blantyre.

The destructive act drew a strong reaction from Chilunga: “the vandals have started a war which they will not finish. We will track them down so that they face justice.”

He further promised that those who will provide information leading to the arrest of the vandals will be awarded with K500 000.

“We have spent millions to erect those billboards. Right now investigation to arrest the culprits are underway,” he said. “Whoever will help with the information will be handsomely rewarded.”

On ensuring financial prudence, Chilunga said they have set up a team to enforce accountability.

“In that team we have our treasurer Noel Lipipa and Norman Isaac, a chartered accountant. These guys are doing a good job and will continue working to protect the resources,” he said.

At the ceremony, Bullets unveiled four players that have signed pre-contracts.

They are Civo United defenders Emmanuel Zoya and John Lanjesi, Blantyre United striker Muhammad Sulumba, who was loaned out to Be Forward Wanderers last season and Tigers goalkeeper Enerst Kakhobwe.

The Bullets chairperson said they have not agreed the transfer fees with the players’ parent clubs but was optimistic the deals will go through.

“We have opened transfer talks with their clubs that’s why they are here with us but we have high hopes that we will sign them permanently soon,” he said.

Chilunga said they expect to make more signings before the transfer window shuts on March 31.

Meanwhile, Nyasa Manufacturing Company handed midfielder Mcfallen Ngwira a K100 000 for being most improved player in the just ended season while Yamikani Fodya was given K150 000 for being voted supporters player of the year.

The company also announced that each player will be given K50 000 as a reward for winning the Super League title.