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TNM launches mascot to fight hooliganism

Saidi (L) makes a symbolic presentation of the new kit to Azam Tigers captain Malumbo Gondwe
Saidi (L) makes a symbolic presentation of the new kit to Azam Tigers captain Malumbo Gondwe

TNM, sponsors of the Malawi’s flagship football league has said in the aftermath of the ugly scenes that occurred last season, it expects football administrators to do better this year.

The message came from TNM’s acting chief commercial officer Protazio Mthethe during a prelaunch cocktail ceremony at Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre on Wednesday evening.

“Hooliganism has in recent years cast its dark spell on the beautiful game of football. Memories still linger of last season’s finale and prize presentation being thrown into turmoil as a consequence of hooliganism in Balaka. Unfortunately, a life was lost. Goods and property worth millions of kwacha were damaged. It was the darkest day in Malawi football,” said Mthethe.

He said the Balaka incident left TNM mulling and agonising over the next step.

“That is why as we re-launch the new season, TNM has decided to start with this gathering so that key stakeholders share a moment of soul-searching. Our hope is that those of you gathered here will look back at the events of the last season and seize the moment to admonish and banish behaviour tantamount to bringing anarchy and despair in the domestic league. We must banish hooliganism, once and for all,” he said.

He added that TNM has introduced a mascot dubbed ‘Shasha’ who will time and again, entertain and remind the soccer fraternity that they have a huge responsibility to eradicate hooliganism in football this season.

“TNM is committing resources towards routine monitoring of hooligan behaviour. Teams found misbehaving will be shamed. Good behaviour by clubs and their fans will also be rewarded accordingly. Further to that, TNM will in the course of the season facilitate dialogue with key stakeholders such as Sulom, FAM, referees, police and club officials aimed at finding a lasting solution to hooliganism,” he said.

Mthethe also said TNM continues to invest significantly in the league.

“What stands on the agreement as a K65 million (US$154 762) sponsorship grew to K105 million (US$250 000) in the last season. In the new season, the sponsorship value is likely to exceed last year’s figure,” said Mthethe.

He said the TNM Sapota Mapeto SMS promotion will continue this season to create financial and operational sustainability of clubs.

Sulom vice-president Lieutenant Colonel Dan Kuwali, Ministry of Youth and Sports Principal Secretary Justin Saidi (who was guest of honour), football legend Ernest Mtawali and FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda also emphasised the need to curb violence to safeguard the sponsorship.

Kuwali appealed to the club officials and supporters to behave in the spirit of sportsmanship and avoid acts of violence and hooliganism for the good of the game.

On his part, Nyirenda said: “We are coming from a season that has gone into the books of Malawi history as one of the saddest moments in Malawi football in regard to the incident that happened in Balaka on December 28 2013 that led to the death of Lemiyasi Josita.”

During the ceremony, TNM displayed the football equipment for the new season that included referees and teams’ Puma kits.

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