Scorchers’ WAFCON heroics lift package to K1.3bn

The Malawi Scorchers are heading into the new season with expectations of a stronger push for success after their sponsorship package was increased.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has renewed its football sponsorship with the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) on a three-year deal, increasing its overall package by 147 percent to K2.3 billion.

The Scorchers will receive K1.3 billion, up from K150 million last season.

The increase comes after the Scorchers reached the WAFCON final in Morocco, finishing as runners-up and securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The NBM Women’s Premiership will receive K400 million, up from K280 million, while the NBM Under-23 competition has been allocated K600 million, compared to K500 million last season.

The overall K2.3 billion package is a significant increase from the K930 million NBM provided to football last season.

NBM Chief Operating Officer Masauko Katsala said the renewal of the sponsorship and partnership reaffirms the bank’s commitment to the development of football in the country.

“Meaningful change in sports does not happen overnight. It requires consistency, patience and long-term investment. We want this to be a partnership where we can look back after three years and say that we helped move Malawian football forward,” said Katsala.

Katsala said NBM plc’s experience during the first year of its partnership with FAM had strengthened the Bank’s belief in the potential of football, particularly women’s football, when provided with sustained investment and support.

Katsala added that NBM plc will continue working with FAM, clubs, players, administrators and football structures at regional and district levels throughout the three-year partnership.

FAM president Fleetwood Haiya said the increased sponsorship demonstrates the confidence and trust that NBM plc has developed in the association.

“We were also very much shocked by the figures because we did not expect that they were going to go this far, considering the economic conditions . But as FAM, we say thank you to National Bank,” said a visibly excited Haiya.

The three-year sponsorship will be reviewed annually, with the review based on the value of the sponsorship for each year.