TNM plc says it is taking a bow from sponsoring the top-flight football league with its head held high for its contribution towards the league’s growth through “massive financial injection” and other initiatives. The mobile network operator’s public relations and corporate communications manager Stanley Chiyora said in an interview that despite the unceremonious end to their marriage with the Super League of Malawi (Sulom), they will explore other ways of supporting football and sports development in the country. However, TNM has made its position plain that it will be difficult to partner Sulom in the future.
Said Chiyora: “Though TNM was committed to continuing the league sponsorship, the contract renewal discussions were ended by Sulom with no prior notice and with no show of gratitude for our generous and massive contribution last year and over the years. “So, although TNM wishes to find other ways of sponsoring football elsewhere and at all levels, this breach of trust and public attack on our good name will make it difficult for us or indeed for any other sponsor to provide support for Sulom in the future.” Nevertheless, TNM thanked all its stakeholders, including Sulom, clubs, players, fans and Football Association of Malawi (FAM) “for walking together over 19 years”. A fortnight ago, Sulom unveiled FDH Bank plc as the flagship league’s new sponsor on a five-year K5 billion deal, ending the 19-year romance with TNM that had its ups and downs.
Sulom president Brigadier General Gilbert Mittawa yesterday declined to comment on the issue, saying they already made their position plain on the matter. “At the moment, we are focusing on the new sponsorship and preparations for the 2026 season. Let the public be the ultimate judge and arbiter,” he said.
[paywall]
On his part, FAM president Fleetwood Haiya thanked TNM plc for its support towards the flagship league. Posting on his Facebook page, the FAM boss said: “Eighteen years is not just a contract period, it is a lifetime of commitment, belief and professionalism. TNM stood with Malawian football through growth, challenges and transformation and for that, the football family remains deeply grateful.
“It is never easy to let go of something you have nurtured like a baby for nearly two decades. But as life teaches us, everything has its time and its expiry date not as an end, but as a transition.” Haiya said in appreciation, they will offer TNM a commemorative cup, should they wish to remain within the football space. “And let me say this clearly: if TNM chooses to stay in football, we will continue to give them value perhaps even more than before.
Thank you TNM for the legacy. Thank you for the trust. The door to football remains open.”
[/paywall]
