Giant mobile phone service provider Airtel Malawi on Tuesday donated K15 million to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) towards Flames’ participation in the Cecafa Cup.
The donation took place at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre where Airtel acting managing director, Charles Kamoto, said the gesture was confirmation of their commitment to develop football in the country.
“We believe with adequate investment in the sport, the Flames can bask in the glory of success over and over again.
As an ardent soccer fan and committed corporate citizen, Airtel is willing to invest bigger and better in the development of football at all levels,” Kamoto said.
He said the donation coincides with Airtel celebration of 3.5 million subscription.
“The money donated today is meant to cater for both domestic and international engagements of our national team. We know there are several games lined up for the Flames to participate in such as Cecafa tournament coming in between November and December in Ethiopia apart from friendly matches before our next competitive game which I gather are scheduled for sometime in March 2016.”
FAM president Walter Nyamilandu thanked Airtel for the donation which he said had come at a time the national team needed to be active as it embarks on a rebuilding exercise.
“We have been talking with Airtel for a year now. Throughout all the discussions they have shown to be willing to partner FAM. I would not be surprised if one day Airtel becomes an official sponsor of the national team,” Nyamilandu said.
“With funding from other sources only available next year, Airtel’s donation is timely and will go a long way in helping the national team prepare for the Afcon qualifier against Guinea in