Football Association of Malawi (Fam)’s transformation agenda received a major boost Wednesday after NBS Bank unveiled a K982 million three-year sponsorship for the introduction of the first-ever National Division League (NDL).
During the unveiling of the sponsorship in Blantyre last night, both NBS Bank and Fam officials were delighted with the introduction of the league, which is expected to link Super League and regional teams.
NBS Bank Chief Executive Officer Kwanele Ngwenya said the sponsorship will begin next year with the bank pumping in K270 million, which will be increased by 20 percent each year until 2027.
Ngwenya added that the second-tier project comes as the bank commemorates 60 years of existence.
“This initiative aims to provide a platform for more competition among football teams and nurture players for the elite league and the national team, the Flames,” Ngwenya said.
Fam President Fleetwood Haiya celebrated NBS Bank’s gesture, saying the level of sponsorship for a second-tier competition is unprecedented and record-breaking.
“What a way to declare your continued commitment to developing football in the country by coming with this second sponsorship on top of the annual sponsorship of the country’s football season opener, the NBS Bank Charity Shield. Just four months ago, NBS Bank doubled the Charity Shield sponsorship package from K20 million to K40 million.
“And now on top of that, NBS Bank has handsomely pumped another K270 million into the National Division League. We cannot wait to ignite the fire that was lacking to catapult the game of football to greater heights with a modern setup of football pyramid structures through this competition,” Haiya said.
The NBS Bank National Division League will kick off in the 2025 season.
According to Fam Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka, there will be 12 teams in the forthcoming second-tier league, including two relegated Super League teams.
“All three regions will contribute three teams each, making it nine teams in total joining the relegated team to form 12 teams,” Zakazaka said.
Earlier, Fam and NBS Bank officials handed over K43 million to Malawi Red Cross Society. It is part of Charity Shield proceeds.
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