Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has raised over K12 million for survivors of Cyclone Freddy.
The cyclone has wreaked havoc in the Southern Region, where lives and property have been lost.
Sulom President Fleetwood Haiya said the money was raised through TNM Super League club chairpersons’ WhatsApp group.
“We thank the clubs for their overwhelming response to the good cause. We managed to raise this money just in a day. By the end of the day [Tuesday], we expect to raise K15 million,” Haiya said.
He said Sulom is planning to engage other stakeholders to mobilise more resources towards those affected by the cyclone.
Earlier in the day, Sulom released a solidarity message and called on well-wishers to support those in dire need.
“In this time of unprecedented challenges and suffering, we call upon the football fraternity to offer moral and material support to those in dire need in localities. Our collective belief is that we will pull together with determination and resolve in unity with those in need as they seek to recover from this tragedy,” part message reads.
So far, no Super League club has reported loss of life of its staff or player from the natural calamity.
Teams playing their trade in the TNM Super League from the region are FCB Nyasa Bullets, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, Wakawaka Tigers, Bangwe All Stars and Red Lions.
So intense were the effects of the cyclone that they compelled organisers to cancel several sporting activities over the weekend in the region.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) said they are in solidarity with victims of the cyclone.
“We call upon everyone in our beautiful game to share difficulties of people in the affected areas and help them return to their normal lives as soon as possible,” Fam President Walter Nyamilandu said.
It is likely that the cyclone survivors will benefit from Fam’s Charity Shield scheduled for April 1 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
In action on the day will be TNM Super League champions FCB Nyasa Bullets and Airtel Top 8 Cup winners Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
The match, which will be a curtain-raiser for the 2023 football season, is aimed at raising funds for supporting vulnerable people across the country.
