Standard Bank plc says it expects the Unayo regional Division One leagues to help develop and polish talent from the grass roots.

The bank’s head of platform business Effy Malange said this during the launch of the K15.3 million Southern Region League at Mangochi Stadium on Saturday.

Malange and Nyamilandu gree Mpondasi players before kick-off

She said: “If you look at the talent and the potential we have at grass roots, it is enormous and we want that to translate through this sponsorship.

“That is why we, at Standard Bank, have gone all the way to pump in K46 million [overall].

“At the end of the day, we want the talent to be spotted and polished.”

Malange said the talent showcased in the launch game between Mpondasi and Balaka was thrilling.

“It kept us on edge and it was a marvel to watch the talent on display,” she said.

Balaka won the match 2-1 in an exciting match that shredded the nerves of the spectators in what was a hint at what to expect in the third-tier leagues.

Goodson Shonga drew first blood for Balaka before Usherdinho Chinkombero Simango levelled the scores for the hosts. Then Buba Jack Milanzi claimed the winner mid-way the second half.

Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu said they spotted some exciting talent during the match.

He said: “What is lacking is the tactical discipline. They are not playing with tactical discipline and purpose and we need to bridge that gap by bringing in technical expertise to train the coaches.

“We need to train the coaches so that they are given the right methodology.”

Nyamilandu thanked Standard Bank plc for the sponsorship, saying it will help them fulfil their agenda to develop football in communities so that all districts should have competitive leagues.

Southern Region Football Association chairperson Raphael Humba said with the sponsorship, they expect stiff competition.

“It will motivate the players to give out their best and we are, therefore, thankful to Standard Bank,” he said.

Humba said 30 teams will take part in the league and they will be divided into two groups and the top four teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.

He said the champions will receive K2 million with the runners-up walking away with K1.5 million. The top four teams will also earn promotion into the Premier Division.

The launch was spiced up by urban music artist Onesimus, who performed the Unayo theme song and his other hits such as Panado and Solomon.

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