The sponsorship of the Malawi League continues to be a source of contention, as the sponsor, Telecom Network Malawi (TNM), appears to be the only sponsor despite Sulom and Premier Bet’s recent deal.
Last month, league leaders Super League of Malawi (Sulom) signed an agreement with a betting company in Malawi, disappointing the current sponsor, whose contract expires next year.
Following the agreement, TNM canceled a function planned to unveil the new sponsorship package because they were unhappy with the betting company’s status as a Sulom partner.
As a result, the Malawi League began with no clear direction because no one knows how many teams will compete.
The New Twist
On March 30, the day Sulom signed a deal with Premier Bet, they included Premier Bet logos in their artwork, including fixtures and a log table, as the official partner.
However, from April 9 to today, Premier Bet logos were removed without explanation. Only TNM logos appear on the artwork.
On the first day of the league, the mobile company did not brand all match venues, and there were no colours for Premier Bet, the new partner.
However, over the weekend, which was week two of the Malawi League, all venues were branded with TNM colours, as Premier Bet remained absent from all activities.
It is unclear whether the betting company is still with Sulom.
It is also unknown how much TNM will sponsor the league in the upcoming season, despite their presence at match venues.
Madalitso Jonazi, TNM’s Head of Brand and Marketing, says the company is in talks with Sulom about a new deal.
“You will be updated on it but we are talking to Sulom and an announcement will be made,” he said.
Last week, Sulom president Gilbert Mittawa assured Malawians that everything is in order and that TNM is with them.
READ MORE: Tabitha explains why Temwa deserved to be a COSAFA nominee
