Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have secured man-of-the-match sponsorship from Smile Insurance worth K150 000 for each game, making it the highest on the local scene.

The projection is that the insurance firm could pump in at least between K6 million (for 40 matches) and K7.5 million (for 50 matches) this season.

The sponsorship was launched at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre on Thursday night, exactly a week after the Lali Lubani Road outfit unveiled a one-year K410 million sponsorship from Ekhaya Farm Foods Limited and Thomson and Barbara Foundation and announced Mukuru sponsorship extension for two years to the tune of K350 million.

Speaking during the launch, Smile Life chief executive officer Stain Singo said when an opportunity came to sponsor one of the biggest teams on the domestic scene, they decided to jump at it.

He said: “We did it for three reasons. First, we felt it will turn a new chapter on our drive for visibility because Wanderers is a big team.

“Secondly, we see a business opportunity. Thirdly, and more importantly, we felt this sponsorship will contribute towards enhancement of football talent in the country.”

Singo (R) puts pen to paper as Gondwe keeps a watchful eye

Singo said they look forward to a long-term relationship with the Nomads.

He said: “It will not be only for a year. We will be extending annually and we’ll also be increasing the package.

“To the players, my message is make sure Wanderers win every game.”

Wanderers board and company secretary Chancy Gondwe said the event was historic as it is the first time for the club to have an insurance firm as a sponsor.

He said: “It is a historic day to the Mighty Wanderers family because we are witnessing fruits of commercialisation.

“It is a milestone as Smile Insurance is making insurance affordable to the Nyerere family. So, as Wanderers, let’s also smile back at Smile Insurance by supporting their services.”

“This is a company that we must patronise, a company that is giving back to the community it operates in.

“To the players, I urge you to fight your lungs out and we should not be seeing the same faces winning the prize. Let us see this sponsorship translating on the pitch.”

Football Association of Malawi general secretary Alfred Gunda, who was the guest of honour, hailied Smile Life for what he described as a motivational sponsorship.

He said: “I would like to appreciate Smile Life Insurance for coming up with this motivation. This is quite commendable.

“We are talking about smile and winning brings smiles and this innovation will bring smiles in the Wanderers family. So, in turn, Wanderers should also ensure that they put smiles on Smile Insurance’s faces through consumption of their products.”

Striker Christopher Kumwembe became the first recipient of the award following his stellar show during Nomads’ first TNM Super League match against Civil Service United last Sunday which the Nomads won 2-0.

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