Taskforce targets K60m in new Afcon fundraiser
The Flames’ 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) resource mobilisation task force has launched a new fundraising initiative targeted to raise K60 million towards the team’s preparations and participation at the continental showpiece.
During a press briefing at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre on Monday, member of the task force Stain Singo said unlike the recent Ipatse Moto Fundraising Golf Tournament which targeted to raise funds from the elite, the latest Ipatse Moto Flames and Win initiative appeals to the public, especially low-income earners, to make their donation towards their beloved team.
He said: “After the fundraising golf tournament, we realised that most Flames supporters come from the rural sector of our society and they would want to make their contribution, but there was no clear channel.”
Singo said the new fundraiser, which will run up to December 31, has been organised in such a way that lucky individuals will win various prizes, including a grand prize of a Toyota Sienta worth K3.5 million.
To enter into the draw, one has to donate of not less than K250 by dialing USSD code *3089# on Airtel and TNM networks.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) marketing and broadcasting manager Tulipo Mwenelupembe, who is also the task force’s spokesperson, said apart from the grand prize, the public stands to win five Flames replica jerseys weekly and three 210-litre deep freezers monthly.
The Flames total budget for their Afcon assignments is K1.4 billion. However, they need to raise at least half of the sum because government already committed to contribute K700 million.
The recent fundraising golf, which Vice-President Saulos Chilima partcipated as guest of honour, targeted to raise K30 million but it fetched K73.4 million.
The 33rd Afcon showpiece is slated to run from January 9 to February 6 2022 in Cameroon.
Malawi are in Group B alongside Africa’s top-ranked side Senegal’s Teranga Lions, Guinea’s Sylli Nationale and Zimbabwe’s Warriors.
The Flames will start the campaign against Guinea on January 10 at Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam, Cameroon.
Malawi’s second fixture is against fellow Cosafa bloc member Zimbabwe’s Warriors on January 14.
Coach Meck Mwase’s charges will then take on Africa’s top-ranked team Senegal on January 18 in the last Group B match.
Malawi qualified for the third Afcon finals after finishing second to leaders Burkina Faso. Uganda finished third while South Sudan anchored the group.
