Ngalande launched a K400 000 (about $2 400) football and netball trophies in Kachenga areas yesterday and the previous day, he launched similar trophies worth K300 000 (about $1 796) in Khwisa area.
That was not all. Prior to launching the two tournaments,the businessperson set the ball rolling by organising football and netball bonanza in the two areas amounting to K220 000 (about $1 317).
He has also bought sets of uniform for all the participating teams in the tournament.
Speaking during a colourful launching ceremony held at Khwisa School ground on Friday, Ngalande said he has taken the initiative to help government develop sports in the country
“Over and above that, I also come from this area [Balaka North] and I felt duty bound to help develop football and netball talents in my home area after being approached by several people. As a businessperson, I thought it wise to share the little that I make from the proceeds of my business with people from my home area through the sponsorship of these tournaments
“I also believe the tournament will also help the youth refrain from promiscuous behaviour such as excessive beer drinking and premarital sex,” Ngalande said.
He dismissed suggestions that he has launched the tournaments because he wants to advance political ambitions.
“Of course there are some people who will see it that way, but that is not my aim. I am not a politician,” he stressed.
Apart from the trophies, Ngalande has also embarked on a drive to install a borehole at Khwisa School.
The tournaments’ organising chairperson Davison Dinesi-Banda thanked Ngalande for launching the competition in the area.
“The importance of these tournaments cannot be overemphasised as they will play a big role in developing talent in these areas.
“The youth here were complaining about lack of inactivity and the sponsorship has therefore come at the right time. We are happy that you heard our plea” Dinesi-Banda said amid applause from the big turnout..
He also assured that the tournaments—that will be played over a period of three months—will be run professionally.
He said football and netball teams from areas such as Tembo, Kachenga, Ulongwe, Matola, Kapalamula and Chingeni will take part in the tournaments that were expected to start on Saturday.
The tournaments are being facilitated by former Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer Charles Nyirenda.
The launch was spiced up by a friendly match between Majawa and Hungry Lions.
