By Isaac Salima:
It does not get sweeter than this. First Capital Bank (FCB) Wednesday announced a K525 million sponsorship package to Nyasa Big Bullets.
The team will now be called FCB Nyasa Bullets as the bank will be its official sponsor for the next three years, pumping in K175 million per season.
When FCB Chief Executive Officer Spyrydon Georgepoluos made it to the podium to break the news at an event that took place at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre, the audience— that included Sports and Youth Minister Uchizi Mkandawire, Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamilandu and Super League of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya— went into jubilation.
“We believe in complementing the government’s efforts in developing football in the country. We have come in because we believe that Bullets are a team that can manage to conquer the continent. We want to be a bank for all Malawians and, by partnering a big brand like Bullets, the investment will be of mutual benefit,” Georgepoluos said.
In his remarks, Mkandawire expressed delight that the country’s football sponsorship is taking a new direction.
“The increase in the number of companies sponsoring teams continues to give us hope that we are on course to developing football. For the bank to make the decision at a critical time when the economy is dwindling, it affirms its commitment to develop football in the country,” Mkandawire said.
The minister also had a word for the People’s Team, encouraging the team to be performing well.
“FCB has noted your good organisation and performance. Continue doing well. Continue being a role model to local clubs,” he said.
Mkandawire also appealed to other banks to come forth and sponsor clubs that are struggling.
Bullets President Konrad Buckle was all smiles at the event.
“We will ensure that you get more support than you have. We are happy that the sponsorship will further transform the team,” Buckle said.
The bank also unveiled jerseys for the team’s home and away games.
Bullets, who embarked on a commercialisation drive few years ago, have recently seen their efforts bear fruit.
The team recently partnered Hurbetus Clausius, who have been sponsoring player of the month awards, and Precious Medical Insurance Company, which has been sponsoring the team’s goal of the month.