International money transfer firm Mukuru yesterday unveiled a K175 million annual sponsorship for TNM Super League outfit Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.

Mukuru representative Charles Phiri said the two parties have signed a year-long sponsorship, but hinted that they are looking at a long term partnership with Wanderers.

He said: “As you know, contracts are negotiated and renewed. So, this is an initial K175 million one-year deal, subject to renewal.

Chimwendo-Banda: government is grateful

“The idea is that we can grow together with Mighty Mukuru Wanderers. We are not just here to start, we are here to stay.”

The event, graced by Minister of Youth and Sports Richard Chimwendo-Banda and Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu, followed the announcement of the partnership between Mukuru and Wanderers in May, which FAM brokered.

In his speech Chimwendo-Banda, who was the guest of honour, applauded Mukuru, saying the country needs the private sector’s support to develop the sport.

He said: “Football cannot develop without the private sector.  Two weeks ago I was here  [at FAM offices] and we talked about football in Malawi. We had a long chat on how football can develop. We made it very clear that government alone cannot develop football.

“We agreed on a road map to ensure that the private sector should come aboard and support football. And today, witnessing Mukuru supporting this initiative, I am so delighted. Government is grateful to Mukuru.”

On his part, Nyamilandu said FAM opted to help Wanderers after Mukuru approached the association on possible partnership, following the Flames’ impressive performance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nation (Afcon) finals in Cameroon in January.

He said: “We explained to them that though we have several programmes as an association that need support, we felt the immediate need was to find sponsorship for Wanderers.

“We know we have many clubs that need sponsorship. The decision to give Wanderers this sponsorship is because this is a big club that has produced prominent people in society, the government and the private sector. There was no way we could see this legacy go down the drain because of lack of sponsorship.”

Nyamilandu, a former Wanderers player and team manager, however, advised the team to be united.

He said: “If the squabbles continue they will affect the sponsorship. You have Humphreys Mvula leading the club. I would love to see you supporters working with him, please support him.

“Wanderers need to have a vision. The coming of Mukuru should help the club grow. Your rivals [Nyasa Big Bullets] are growing. They started growing soon after having a good sponsorship. You should do the same.”

Wanderers board member Clement Stambuli, who is also the chairperson of the commercialisation committee, said the partnership with Mukuru marks a new era at the Lali Lubani outfit.

“We are indebted to FAM for brokering this marriage between Wanderers and Mukuru.”

Japanese reconditioned car dealers Be Forward Limited withdrew its K120 million sponsorship for Wanderers in 2019.

Salima Sugar bailed out the Nomads with K60 million sponsorship in 2020.

Stambuli said despite the signing of the deal with Mukuru, Salima Sugar will remain as their partners.

“We are still looking for additional partners so that we have enough resources to build a strong team,” he said.

Mukuru offers money transfer services in 80  countries in Africa, Europe and Asia. Apart from Wanderers, Mukuru also sponsors England’s Premier League outfit Crystal Place.

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