Mlatho withdraws Mponela sponsorship
Mlatho Technologies have withdrawn sponsorship for relegated Mlatho Mponela ending a three-year romance with the club.
Director of Mlatho Technologies, Steve Chapola confirmed the development saying the decision was in the best interest of the company and families.
“We made the decision to protect our company and family from ridicule. Our families were receiving threats. We had the concession to protect the team although we had no right to sell the team and we knew that the real owners were Mponela community so we gave the team back to the community,” Chapola said.
The company’s withdrawal could be the end of the team’s ownership wrangle involving Mlatho and Mponela-based person Gracias Chikoma. Both Mlatho and Chikoma had been claiming ownership of the Super League relegated outfit.
However, Chapola disclosed that the company will pay registration fee to enable the team participates in the Chipiku League Premier Division this year.
“We cherish the relationship we have with Mponela Community and we will continue to be together,” he added. The Chipiku League kick off date is unknown due to Covid-19 pandemic which saw sporting activities including football being suspended.
Chikoma was not readily available Sunday for his reaction. Central Region Football Association (CRFA) Vice General Secretary, Antonio Manda expressed ignorance on the sponsorship withdraw of Mlatho.
Mlatho was promoted to the TNM Super League at the end of the 2018 season but only played in the top flight league for one season. The team was relegated together with Dwangwa United and Masters Security FC.
