Shepherd Bushiri, a Malawian business tycoon widely regarded as a prophet by his followers, reached a sponsorship agreement with the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) in September this year through his company, Goshen Trust, worth MK60 million (around $53,954.69).
Bushiri and his Goshen Trust’s sponsorship was made to support the growth of women’s football in Malawi.
MK29 million was used for the Malawi Women’s National Team’s’ trip to the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship held in South Africa, where they were crowned champions of the competition for the first time after beating Zambia 2-1 in the final.
Did Bushiri see that coming? Was it a prophecy? What made him support them?
BolaNews’ Malawi-based reporter, Bobby Kabango, talked to the prophet in an exclusive interview:
Why did you choose to support Malawi women’s football in the country?
“We saw huge potential in the pool of our female players. We believed in their hard work and dedication to their respective responsibilities on the field of play.”
Were you approached by football officials or was it a revelation from God to support the Scorchers?
“We were approached by FAM (Football Association of Malawi.”
How long did it take for you to decide to support them? Was Bushiri skeptical?
“We didn’t take long to make a decision since they were bound for a trip to RSA (Republic of South Africa). Any delay in making a decision to support them financially would have resulted in failure for them to travel. So, the decision was made within an hour.”
Your money helped Scorchers for the first time in history to clinch the Cosafa Cup trophy. Did you see it coming? Or, was it a prophecy?
“We saw the scorchers being successful at the tournament. We told them that they would have a very fruitful journey and that this was the beginning of new great things to happen in our women’s football. No prophecy was involved, it was a matter of faith upon seeing their dedication.”
In the future, what plans do you have for the Scorchers and Malawi football in general?
“Currently, we have a partnership with the Scorchers and we will strive to make sure that they continue producing great results by rendering our moral and financial support. As for Malawi football in general, we call upon the corporate world to support our athletes in all dimensions. We believe Malawi has a vast number of talented footballers who can put the country on a map.”
After a victorious trip to South Africa, did you have time with the girls or do you still have plans to meet them?
“We haven’t met the Champs yet, because of our tight schedules but plans are there to meet and congratulate them.”
