First Capital Bank (FCB) has  injected K40 million into this year’s Under-20 Football League, representing a K5 million increase from the previous edition’s package.

During the launch of the 2022 edition in Blantyre on Saturday, the bank’s chief executive officer Spiro Georgopoulos said the development shows their commitment to the promotion of the game from the grassroots.

The launch, which had Blantyre City Mayor Wild Ndipo as guest of honour, included a trophy parade led by the Police Brass Band from Blantyre Youth Centre to Kamuzu Stadium.

Georgopoulos (R) presents a dummy to Chavura (2ndL), Ndipo (L) and Nyamilandu

“We have been sponsoring this youth football league for over a decade and we have been impressed with the fruits over the years. It makes us proud to note that at least nine players in the national team are products of this league,” he said.

“It is for this reason that we decided to continue bankrolling the competition with an increased package. As a bank, we are committed to investing in grassroots football.”

National Youth Football Association (NYFA) chairperson Tiyenkhu Chavura said they are excited that the league has finally been officially launched and the bank has increased sponsorship.

He added that the sponsorship increase will result in enhanced prizes at district level and help sort out the national league’s officiating personnel.

“FCB has been bankrolling the league since 2009 and are the sole sponsors. As such, we are happy with their commitment as we have seen the fruits of the sponsorship,” Chavura said.

Football Association of Malawi  president Walter Nyamilandu thanked FCB for their passion in youth football development and  appealed to other well-wishers to emulate the bank’s gesture.

Mangochi-based side Mpondasi United FC are the reigning national champions after beating Mzuzu-based Iponga FC 9-8 on post-match penalties after a goalless draw in the final at Rumphi Stadium in December last year.

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