The Malawi League has secured a landmark sponsorship deal with FDH Bank, who have come on board as the new league sponsor in a lucrative MWK5 billion (approximately USD 2.8 million) agreement spanning five years — MWK1 billion per season.

FDH Bank takes over sponsorship of the league from Telecom Network of Malawi Plc (TNM), who had held the rights for 18 years. As a result, the league will now be known as the FDH Bank Premiership.

FDH Bank’s entry follows the expiry of TNM’s sponsorship, which came to an end last season and was valued at MK500 million per season.

League administrators, the Super League of Malawi (Sulom), had already begun discussions with TNM over a new sponsorship package, but before an agreement was finalised, FDH Bank tabled a significantly bigger offer.

Under the new deal, the league champions will pocket MWK 200 million (approximately USD 50,000), up from MWK 100 million last season, while the runners-up will receive MWK 100 million.

Player Welfare package introduced

One of the most notable aspects of the sponsorship is the introduction of player welfare benefits. Thirty players from each team will automatically be registered under the FDH Bank Life Cover. In the event that a player loses a loved one, they will receive MK300,000 to cover funeral expenses. This benefit is part of a MWK100 million player welfare fund set aside under the agreement.

Sulom president Brigadier Gilbert Mitawa described the sponsorship as historic.

“FDH Bank has taken a bold decision to put a lot of money in sport at a time when sponsorship is hard to come by. The establishment of the players’ welfare revolving fund is a game changer,” he said.

FDH Bank Managing Director Noel Mkulichi said the bank studied sponsorship models elsewhere and wanted to take a different approach by addressing challenges faced by players.

“This is the first of its kind in Malawi. We believe more things are coming. We expect not only to improve players, but this investment also supports the villages and we believe it will help us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Patricia Wiskies has applauded FDH Bank, describing the institution as the biggest financial supporter of sports in Malawi.

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