Airtel Malawi left the football fraternity guessing over the future of the Airtel Top 8 Cup after indicating that contract extension discussions with Football Association of Malawi (Fam) are underway.
Speaking during the awards presentation ceremony at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre last night, Airtel Malawi Managing Director Charles Kamoto hinted at a favourable outcome but did not commit.
“There is a reason to imagine that the sponsorship can be extended but this night is a night of awards. So let us not overshadow tonight’s function with other news; there will be time for such news,” Kamoto said.
However, Kamoto lauded Fam for promoting a good working relationship since 2017, when Airtel started sponsoring the Airtel Top 8 Cup.
“I really look forward to this cooperation in future. I hope that, going forward, we will still be together. The Top 8 Cup attracts rare reviews. Malawians love football and Airtel Top 8. We have been able to grow numbers for our customers through this competition.
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“During season six, we introduced Airtel TV for people to watch the games at home,” Kamoto said as the firm celebrated the renewal of licence for another 10 years.
Earlier on, Fam President Fleetwood Haiya lobbied Airtel Malawi to continue bankrolling the competition.
“The Airtel Top 8 is one of the biggest competitions in the country; no wonder, every team looks forward to lifting the cup. With only four games, you can win the cup. We hope Airtel Malawi will continue sponsoring the cup. The new Fam leadership met Airtel management to assure them of running the competition professionally and smoothly,” Haiya said.
He said Fam intends to introduce a safety and security committee to deal with issues that nearly spoiled season six of the cup.
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Malawi National Council of Sports Board Member Helene Mpinganjira Tasosa said they are keenly following the discussions as government needs other stakeholders to develop sports.
“We look up to such companies because government alone cannot develop sports,” Tasosa Mpinganjira said.
In media awards, Hankey Chimtengo of Mibawa TV was named the best in TV category whereas Bobby Kabango of Nation Publications Limited won the photography category
In online category, Andrew Chilapondwa of Malawi24 emerged winner while Garry Chirwa of The Nation won in print category. MIJ Radio’s Foster Mkwamba won the radio category.
In players’ category, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets striker Lanjesi Nkhoma dominated the awards as he won the top goal-scorer award for season six and player of the tournament.
Bullets were crowned champions while Mafco received their cut for finishing as runners-up.
