Mighty Tigers yesterday unveiled a K30 million sponsorship deal with Mother’s Food Limited through their Waka Waka carbonated drink.

The sponsorship will cater for the players’ salaries and allowances.

Speaking during the sponsorship  unveiling in Blantyre, Tigers patron Robin Alufandika, who is also the club’s technical director, thanked the Blantyre-based company for bailing them out.

He said: “We have been financially struggling for a long time and we thank God for finally answering our prayers.”

Alufandika said as a result of the season-long sponsorship, the club has rebranded to Waka Waka Tigers FC.

The financial support has ended the Kau Kau Boys’ four-year sponsorship drought.

Though the sponsorship is almost half of the club’s K70 million annual budget, Alufandika said it is enough to solve most of their problems, especially players’ salaries.

He said: “Most of this financial support will go towards the players’ welfare. We have been having arrears with our players, but now that is water under the bridge.”

Mother’s Food Limited director Riaz Sattar said they decided to rescue Tigers after noting their struggles over the years.

He, however, said the future of the deal will depend on the performance of the team.

Sattar said: “We have deliberately injected a season-long sponsorship to see the willingness of the club to up their game and raise the profile of our brand. If we get impressed, we will come with a better package next season.”

Tigers captain Jaffalie Maunde said the sponsorship package is a life-changer.

He said: “We have been through a lot of struggles and we do not want to experience them again in the future.

“It was painful to go months without pay and we will give our all to keep this sponsorship alive,” he said.

Tigers face Mighty Wanderers at Mpira Stadium in their third TNM Super League match of the season on Sunday.

The Tigers currently lie fifth on the 16-team logtable with four points after a win against Moyale Barracks and a draw against Kamuzu Barracks.

Blue Eagles lead the pack on six points following two straight wins.

Last season, Tigers survived relegation by the skin of their teeth after settling for a 13th place.

The Kau Kau Boys were founded in 1980, and enjoyed sponsorship from Adamarc until 2006.

They were briefly sponsored by Bakhresa Malawi Limited four years ago.

Alufandika has been financially assisting the club.

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