The Malawi league has kicked off with many questions left unanswered due to existing sponsorship wrangles.
League sponsors Telecom Network Malawi (TNM) have not come out in the open as reports suggest that they are not happy to see Malawi league officials going into partnership with a betting company. TNM has been sponsoring the league for 17 years.
In the Dedza District in the center of Malawi, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, the reigning champions, and Dedza Dynamos, the hosts, played to a draw of one all during the league’s official launch.
During the launch, no official from TNM was present, and the event progressed without their involvement.
In other matches like Silver Strikers hosting Chitipa United no official from the mobile company was available. Even the branding did not take place.
Although it is unclear if TNM will sponsor the Malawi league, Super League of Malawi president Gilbert Mittawa assured reporters that there is no need for concern because everything is under control.
Mittawa said TNM is the sponsor despite them not being present during the match.
“TNM has been with us, and it is with us. People should not panic, the situation will be controlled, and people will be communicated on the progress,” he said.
“This will be addressed soon but let me promise you that it will be better than before (prize money). I know this is what people want to know but we will explain to you very soon,” he said.
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Until a communication is made, Malawi League’s current value is K150 million, as per the agreement that TNM and Sulom concluded last year.
