Castel Malawi Pumps in MK1 Billion into Football

Castel Malawi pumps in MK1 Billion into Football……..

By Antony Isaiah Jr….

Castel Malawi has injected in K900,060,000 into Football as it partners with the Football Association of Malawi to introduce Castel Challenge Cup.

The leading producer and distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Malawi made the announcement on Monday in Blantyre at the Amaryllis Hotel where the unveiling ceremony of a three-year partnership took place.

Castel Malawi Managing Director Thomas Reynaud said the company which falls under Carlsberg Group as its parent organisation decided to sponsor the cup to help uplift the standards of football in the country from the grassroots as the Cup will start from the Districts to the National Level.

Reynaud said the launch could not have come at a better time as the country is recovering from the devastating effects s of Cyclone Freddy.

He explained: “We felt it was very important to increase the fans’ happiness. You, know, Blantyre has been impacted by Cyclone Freddy.
“We would like to see a lot of fun in the population. Football is international. it’s a big link among the population. We want to see more fun and the happiness.

“This Cup is not just another sport event, it is a celebration of our beautiful game and develop football from the grassroots. As a company, we are challenging people in the country to live to the full potential and to active this, am announcing that Castel Malawi is injecting about MK1 Billion. This is our economic responsibility and the platform for talent development in Malawi.”

Sweet Return to football for Castel Malawi

Castel Malawi in 2019 dropped a bomb on the country’s football fraternity by announcing the withdrawal of the Carlsberg Cup, the news shocked the football fraternity, which by that time had remained with two national cups, namely Fisd Challenge and Airtel Top 8 before the coming of FDH Bank Cup.

“Due to the financial constraints that the company is facing, we have decided to cancel the Carlsberg Cup sponsorship until further notice. Kindly note that 2019 has been a challenging year and this has forced the company to operate on a leaner budget.

“Therefore, the company will not be renewing the Carlsberg Cup contract with Fam this year. However, this does not mean that the company has abandoned its commitment and involvement in supporting professional football in Malawi. The company will provide further details on the way forward at a later stage,” the statement by the Company in 2019 read.

In its second return, for this year alone, Castel Malawi is pumping in over K320 million towards the cup.
The national champion will get K50 million while the e runners-up will get K25 million.

The two semi-finalists will get MK10 million each while four quarter-finalists will walk away with K5 million each.

The competition will start at district level where 31 district champions will receive MK750,000 each while 17 teams that will qualify from the regional level will get K1 million each.

Castel Challenge Cup becomes the most prestigious tournament in the country as the prize money for the winners beats every package that the winners get for winning any cup in the country.

TNM Super League Champions get K40 Million, FDH Bank Cup winners pocket K30 Million while Airtel Top-8 Cup winners get K20 Million.

Historical and record-breaking

Football Association of Malawi President, Walter McMilan Nyambose Manda said the sponsorship from the Castel Malawi is historical and record-breaking one.

“Am asking myself, is this real?” Wondered the Association’s boss. “We have another reason to celebrate and rejoice! The level of sponsorship that Castel has just announced is unprecedented and record-breaking.”

“I am also happy that Castel Challenge Cup has embraced rural football by making them an integral part of the competition. Castel has even gone further to surpass our expectations by setting aside prize money for winners from the districts and I can assure you that with such a level of diversity and multifaceted approach, our game will never be the same again.

“There will be very stiff competition from bottom to the top and wholesome entertainment across the breadth of the country. The spin-offs of the Castel Challenge Cup will be huge as it will impact every stakeholder in a very big way and transform the landscape of Malawi football.”
Nyamilandu said the format will also help unearth talent from rural areas.

“Without any shed of doubt, the Castel Challenge Cup will bear good fruits by unearthing hidden talent and producing excellent talent that will make the game of football more competitive and exciting to the eye. This will provide a great opportunity for the Super League teams to scout for talented players and in the process boost performance of the Flames,” he explained.

Our country is heading in the right direction

The Malawi Government has commended the company for coming in with the huge money to help uplifting the level of football in the country.

Minister of Youths and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire graced the unveiling ceremony and in his speech, he said that Malawi’s Football is heading in the right direction.

“With this prestigious sponsorship, we are certain that our country is heading in the right direction as far as football is concerned,” said Mkandawire.

“I am pleased to be here this evening to officially launch the Castel Challenge Cup. Allow me to extend heartfelt gratitude to Castel management for the magnificent sponsorship Castel Cup which is highest in history of football sponsorship in country.
“I therefore urge FAM and Super League of Malawi to take advantage of Castel sponsorship to improve standards of football and the social welfare of players

“Let me assure you all that government and my ministry will also make sure that this sponsorship is well supported to achieve its objectives and those of Castel Malawi.”

Malawi’s Football season will now contain four competitions, TNM Super League, FDH Bank Cup, Airtel Top 8 Cup and Castel Challenge Cup.