The country’s richest football competition the Castel Challenge Cup was launched in style at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Silver strikers beat FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 3-2 in a ceremonial match that spiced the occasion which lined up a number of entertaining events that included musical performances, acrobatics, and a bash.
Castel managing director Thomas Reynaud said: “We had a very good launch. We wanted to do something nice for the country. You know, after cyclone and cholera, we wanted to do something good to cheer the fans,” he said.
Reynaud said Castel Malawi made contributions to help alleviate cyclone and cholera problems.
“We have a corporate social responsibility; we contributed resources during the cholera outbreak. We don’t just sell spirits and beer; we also contribute economically to the country. We are one of the biggest employers and tax-payers in the country. We promote local artists,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) President Walter Nyamilandu hailed Castel for the launch.
“This is what we have been looking for a very long time. We miss this moment. We are happy that Castel Malawi has come in a very big way to every football fan,” he said.
The national champions will pocket K50 million— the highest prize money in domestic football— with the runners-up getting half the amount.
Semi-finalists will receive K10 million each whereas the four quarterfinalists will get K5 million each.
In addition, the district champions will pocket K750,000 each whereas 17 teams that will qualify from the regional level will get K1 million each. Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot award winner will each get K500,000.
