Airtel unveils ‘Zamadolo Izi’ theme

By Isaac Salima:

Airtel Malawi and Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Thursday joined hands in setting the stage for the kickoff of this year’s Airtel Top 8 Cup with the unveiling of a theme ‘Zamadolo Izi’.

The sponsor also showcased jerseys that will be given to each of the eight teams participating in the competition.

Airtel Malawi Managing Director Charles Kamoto said the theme affirms the presence of heavyweights that are in the competition.

“The three years of our relationship with football have been so interesting and exciting. The competition has also brought about excitement in the entire football fraternity.

“We look forward to another competitive tournament with a lot at stake. This tournament is not just for any team. It is for heavyweights,” Kamoto said.

Fam president Walter Nyamilandu said it is pleasing that the competition is back.

“Airtel Top 8 has defined our football. The tournament will also give an opportunity to our players to shine and be in great shape for selection to the national team ahead of the African Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon early next year,” Nyamilandu said.

Speaking earlier, Fam Competitions Committee Chairperson Jabbar Alide said this year’s tournament is worth K75.4 million with winners getting K17 million, up from K15 million with the runners-up pocketing K5.5 million.

In June this year, Airtel Malawi announced a rise in the competition’s three-year sponsorship from K198 million to K234 million.

Silver Strikers won the last edition of the competition in 2019 after beating Karonga United 1-0.

The competition will also give out K500,000 each to the golden boot award winner and the player-of-the-tournament.

This year’s showpiece kicks off Saturday with Nyasa Big Bullets taking on Mafco at Kamuzu Stadium while Mighty Wanderers will line up against Moyale Barracks at the same venue on Sunday.