Standard Bank has unveiled a K46 million sponsorship package for the country’s regional football leagues through its Unayo brand.
Breaking the news at the bank’s head office in Lilongwe Thursday, Head of Consumer and High Net Worth Clients Charity Mughogho said the sponsorship aims at developing football at the grassroots.
“The sponsorship gives us a platform for engaging further with our clients across the country, a good majority of whom is passionate about local football. The Unayo National Regional League will act as an ideal touch point for our digital financial solution and its customers,” Mughogho said.
The competition will attract 64 Division One football teams and will be played over eight months in 29 districts.
It is expected to be launched this month at a date and venue to be announced.
Mughogho said, through the league, the bank is creating an additional engagement platform with all Malawians.
“Local football fans can experience our latest banking services right within their communities with the league closely matching what Unayo was set up to achieve; creation of sustainable partnership that brings solutions to underdeveloped communities and empowers them to create a better life,” she said.
Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamilandu said the competition would help unearth talent in rural areas.
“The sponsorship will unearth hidden talent. It will give opportunities to many youths who dream of playing competitive football. The sponsorship offers employment to coaches, referees and football administrators at local levels,” Nyamilandu said.
Accompanying Nyamilandu to the event was his first vice Jabbar Alide and General Secretary Alfred Gunda. Regional football association chairpersons Austin Ajawa (Centre), Raphael Humba (South) and Lameck Khonje (North) were also present.
Humba hailed the bank, saying the sponsorship would develop the game at the grassroots.
The last football competition that the bank sponsored was the 2015 Standard Bank Cup which Civil Service United lifted after beating Mighty Wanderers 1-0.
The bank also sponsors an athletics competition called Be More Race.
