NBS Bank plc will sponsor this year’s Charity Shield between Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers this Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium to the tune of K15 million.

Proceeds from the Charity shield will be donated to flood survivors left destitute in Lower Shire Valley districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje following the Tropical Storm Ana.

NBS Bank chief executive officer Kwanele Ngwenya said during the sponsorship unveiling yesterday in Blantyre that the bank decided to partner with FAM for the noble cause as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Here you are!: Ngwenya (R) makes a symbolic cheque presentation to Nyamilandu (2ndL) as other officials look on

He said: “When a country’s people are in need, it must become the agenda for every corporate and citizen to be a part of providing a solution.

“Many have been affected by the natural disaster that happened most recently and NBS Bank feels that these heart-breaking scenes of people having their homes destroyed and their belongings washed way are an opportunity to use our resources to offer hope to others.”

Ngwenya said apart from the charity cause, NBS Bank is also excited to support football which is the country’s most-followed sport.

He said: “NBS Bank has always supported the community in which it operates. We are today extending this support not only to fulfil our social responsibility, but also support FAM in bringing the Malawian people their most beloved game through this Charity Shield.”

“We also believe that sports contributes a lot to the society in terms of entertainment, employment as well as national unity and development.

“This important element, when leveraged on to support the needy, fits in perfectly with NBS Bank’s slogan and practice of being a caring bank which has been changing a lot of lives through various initiatives and promotions like rewarding our customers with houses, cars and cash prizes.”

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said NBS Bank  rescued the association when hope of getting a sponsor for the Charity Shield was almost lost.

He said: “You have bailed us out when we almost gave up hope of getting a sponsor for the Charity Shield. We don’t take this for granted.  I hope this is the beginning of a big journey that we will grow together so that you can see more value in football and grow your brand.”

FAM has also promised that all the funds realised from the Charity Shield are channelled towards the flood victims.

“You can be assured that every penny that will be realised on Saturday will go towards the flood victims.”

The Charity Shield was introduced in 2016  to use football as a tool for raising funds for charity.

The 2019 edition of Charity Shield was used to raise awareness  against crimes targeting people with albinism.

The tournament was halted in 2020 and 2021 due to rising cases of the Covid-19 just after Ecobank had increased its sponsorship from K12 million to K18 million.

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