The Malawian League is set to kick off tomorrow with four matches to be played in all regions but there are uncertainties over sponsorship.
Last week, it was announced that league sponsors Telecom Network Malawi (TNM), in collaboration with league organizers Super League of Malawi (Sulom), would make an announcement on the new sponsorship package on Wednesday, April 3.
However, there was nothing, and subsequently, it was announced that the event had been moved to Thursday, April 4.
There was also no further communication about whether the function would still take place. According to BolaNews sources, the event was to take place in Blantyre and Sulom President Gilbert Mittawa had already arrived in the commercial city.
Mittawa gives assurance on league sponsorship
In a phone interview, Mittawa stated that he expects TNM to continue supporting the league.
“There is no communication from them if they will not proceed with us. Had it been that they would not proceed, I hope by now they could have given us a communication. Since there is no communication, we believe that they will still be with us as we resume tomorrow,” he said.
Mittawa stated that they informed TNM that this year’s league is valued at K1.3 billion.
“We asked them if they could give us 41 percent, which is around MWK500 million and TNM agreed to make adjustments and we are still waiting to hear from them,” he said.
Because TNM has not communicated, this means that the current package is K150 million per season under the three-year contract negotiated by both parties last year and expiring in 2025.
Meanwhile, other sources have revealed that TNM is dissatisfied that Sulom entered into an arrangement with Premier Bet without its approval.
According to the source, Sulom has awarded some perks to Premier Bet that TNM was entitled to under their contract, which has disappointed them.
TNM has sponsored the Malawi League for the past 17 years.
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