Illovo mum on sponsorship
Dwangwa United and TNM Super League debutants, Nchalo United, have to wait for some months to know if Illovo Sugar Company will continue sponsoring them in the 2018 season.
The two teams have been looking up to the company for support, which has been coming in piece-meal.
Asked if the company is ready to support the teams, Illovo Public Relations Officer, Irene Phalula, said it was too early to comment on the teams’ allocations.
“The company‘s financial year is different from a Super League season. The teams are still utilising what was allocated to them in the 2017/18 budget. The next football season falls in two different financial years.
“For Dwangwa United FC, there are still some funds from the 2017/18 budget which the club will use in the first part of the 2018 season. The last part of 2018 football season will fall into the company’s 2018/19 financial year and it is too early to comment on plans for the new financial year,” Phalula said.
The company’s position puts the two teams in dilemma since by the time the sugar manufacturers will be coming up with the next budget in September, the league would probably be in the second round.
Last year, financial challenges affected Dwangwa as players boycotted training on many occasions due to unpaid dues.
Illovo allocated K30 million to Dwangwa last season and the team’s budget for the 2018 season is K87 million.
Dwangwa Chairperson, Anold Zenizeni, said there was no reason to panic as Illovo has always assisted them.
“We understand that their financial year is different from the Super League season, but all will be fine,” Zenizeni said.
Nchalo Chairperson, Peter Chiipanthenga, said preparations for the season were going on well.
But he refused to comment on the team’s financial position ahead of next season.
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