The TNM super League kicked off on Saturday but the football fraternity was left with more question than answers regarding this season’s package.
On the opening day of the season the teams and the football fraternity were hoping for good news but the league kicked off with previous terms.
The super League of Malawi and sponsors TNM plc were locked in a meeting to resolve the stand-off on Saturday.
After the league governing body unveiled new partners the stand- off started.
Sulom President Gilbert Mitawa insisted that there was no need to press the panic button. They were working on a revised package as per they request and it is almost done. They are waiting for logistical arrangements for the unveiling.
Sulom and TNM has signed a contract worth K450 million for three years- which means K150 million per season.
Sulom has valued the league at K1.3 billion and are looking for more for more partners.
The league runners also asked TNM to consider increasing the sponsorship package at least K500 million per season.
Mittawa didn’t disclosed if TNM has accepted to increase the sponsorship package from the current K150 million per season.
Mittawa said they asked for a specific figure and they have been very committed since they request. They are, therefore, optimistic and they thank them a lot for being very considerate.
There was no usual pomp associated with the re-launch, during the official opening match between Dedza Dynamos and FCB Big Bullets, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate at Dedza Stadium.
There was no branding for sponsors, in most the games.
TNM Company has been sponsoring the league since 2006.
The company last year increased the sponsorship package to K150 million from K90 million. Champion Bullets pocketed K40 million.
The demotic league is one of the lowly sponsored leagues in Cosafa region.
In Zambia, MTN and Football Association of Zambia signed a three-year agreement worth $3mmillion, translating to $70,000 every season.
Source:Times
