Goshen Trust Announces K60 Million Sponsorship for Women's Football Development in Malawi
The sponsorship from Goshen Trust is anticipated to invigorate women's football in Malawi, nurturing talent and promoting competitiveness within the sport.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Goshen Trust, a prominent philanthropic organisation, made a significant announcement on Friday, September 29, 2023, by unveiling a K60 million sponsorship package for the development of women's football in Malawi, writes Happy Valirani.
This generous contribution is set to benefit both the Malawi national women's football team, known as the Scorchers, and the national women's football league.
The official unveiling ceremony took place in Lilongwe, where Goshen Trust expressed its commitment to nurturing women's football in the country.
Out of the K60 million sponsorship package, K29 million will be allocated to support the women's national football team's preparations for the 2023 COSAFA Cup tournament.
Additionally, K10 million will be designated for player allowances, ensuring that the athletes are well supported.
Lastly, K21 million will be directed towards the women's football league, which has now been rebranded as the Goshen Women's Football League.
The Scorchers, in preparation for this year's Women's COSAFA Cup scheduled from October 4th to 15th, 2023, in Gauteng, South Africa, are set to depart on Monday.
They are placed in Group A, alongside the host nation, South Africa, Madagascar, and Eswatini.
Shepherd Bushiri, the chairperson of Goshen Trust and leader of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), expressed his commitment to the partnership with the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).
He assured FAM that the sponsorship will not be a one-time endeavour but will be increased annually, with the aspiration of becoming permanent sponsors.
Bushiri stated, "It's a dream for every Malawian to see that our country becomes an international flag in terms of football. We want to take a permanent solution rather than a temporary one, and a permanent solution could be a partnership."
Walter McMillan Nyamilandu Manda, President of FAM, welcomed the sponsorship with enthusiasm, deeming it timely.
He emphasised the significant impact this sponsorship would have on women's football, especially the Schorchers' participation in the COSAFA Cup.
Nyamilandu stated, "We are extremely excited; this is good news for us, especially for women's football. We didn't have resources for our team, the Scorchers, as you know, we had to withdraw from the Women's Africa Cup of Nations due to financial constraints. Now we have the funds for our girls to travel, K10 million for player allowances, and this sponsorship will not only enable participation but also competitive performance."
Adelaide Migogo, Chairperson of Malawi National Women's Football, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the sponsorship, acknowledging the challenges they faced in seeking support.
She stated, "I am very happy because we have been knocking on many doors, and having this door opened to us is something to be joyful about. Our women will be leaving for the COSAFA tournament on Monday, and we are very grateful for this opportunity."
This marks the second time Bushiri has extended financial support to FAM, as he had previously assisted when the Flames travelled to face Guinea in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers match in 2016.
The sponsorship from Goshen Trust is anticipated to invigorate women's football in Malawi, nurturing talent and promoting competitiveness within the sport.