Tracing Innobuild's Remarkable Contribution to Northern Region Sports
Their dedication to transforming football and making a positive difference in the community is clearly reflected in their work in northern Malawi.
Mzuzu, Malawi-Football, the world's most beloved and followed sport, has an unmatched power to unite people from diverse backgrounds, writes Victor Musongole.
However, in many instances, it faces a lack of social support from individuals and companies. In the northern region of Malawi, this story takes a different turn, with Innobuild emerging as a prominent catalyst for change in sports.
For the past 16 years, the Northern Region Football Association premier league has relied heavily on sponsorship from Simama and Sons General Dealers.
This region's premier league has, in comparison, received significantly lower sponsorship when compared to its counterparts in the southern and central regions of Malawi.
But the recent history of this league underscores the transformational potential of football.
Last season, football fans witnessed a captivating underdog tale, as Chitipa United clinched the championship.
In an incredible upset, Chitipa United defeated football giants such as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Nyasa Big Bullets, securing a top-three position in the national league, the TNM Super League.
In March 2020, a game-changing announcement arrived when Innobuild, in partnership with the Northern Region Football Association, unveiled their sponsorship of the Mzuzu District League.
This remarkable initiative extended to the Football Association of Malawi, with Innobuild contributing K2,000,000 to kickstart the project.
The launch was, however, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was eventually inaugurated in August 2021.
In 2022, Innobuild once again demonstrated its commitment to northern Malawi football by co-sponsoring the regional league with Simama and Sons. This time, they brought a substantial K5,000,000 for a one-year contract.
The prize presentation ceremony held on February 26, 2023, in Chitipa, celebrated the crowning of Chitipa United as champions after their league triumph.
During the event, Fumbani Chirambo, Innobuild's Operations Manager, announced a remarkable 100 percent increase in sponsorship for the 2023 season, raising the total sponsorship to K10,000,000.
In previous years, the league operated with a K5 million budget, and winners received K1.5 million after engaging in over 36 matches across the region.
However, Innobuild's partnership with Simama and Sons introduced a new era, with champions now earning K3.5 million, underscoring the significant financial support Innobuild provides to northern Malawi football.
Masiya Nyasulu, the General Secretary of the Northern Region Football Association, believes that Innobuild's involvement has reshaped the football landscape in the region.
The fierce competition and financial incentives have inspired administrators, teams, and officiating panels to raise their standards.
Nyasulu emphasizes that the league has become a platform for growth, improvement, and performance enhancement for all stakeholders.
"The competition has improved in the past three years, and we hope to see more from them. We have seen the league producing a team that is in the top three of the country's main league, showing that Innobuild's sponsorship has added great value to our football. The league provides a platform for administrators, teams, and officiating panels to improve their performance through this league," Nyasulu stated after witnessing a Simso Innobuild League just a week ago.
Sammez Gogomthiko Soko, Team Manager for Ekwendeni United, one of the region's oldest teams, echoes Nyasulu's sentiments.
Soko highlights that Innobuild's arrival has significantly enhanced the competition in the league.
The increased sponsorship has infused new life into the game, leading to outstanding performances. Soko proudly points out that Simso Innobuild teams have demonstrated their skills, particularly in cup games, and the reigning champions are currently in the top four of the national league.
Veteran Sports Journalist Phillip Pasula, while concurring with Soko's observations, emphasizes the importance of encouraging companies like Innobuild to invest in football.
Pasula asserts that football heavily relies on substantial financial backing, and Innobuild's contributions have played a pivotal role in elevating the sport's standards in the region.
Stuart Swira, Regional Manager for Innobuild North, acknowledges the shift in public perception of the company's image, driven by its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Swira explains that Innobuild's involvement in football has not only enhanced the sport but has also attracted new customers who appreciate the company's dedication to social responsibility.
"In our experience, we have had customers approach us because of our involvement in football. It's a win-win situation for us as a company that prioritizes the interests of Malawians," Swira stated in an interview earlier this month.
Innobuild's contributions extend beyond football. In 2020, the company sponsored the Malawi Boxing Association's online boxing activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping boxers active by sharing videos of their skills.
The company has also recognised the achievements of athletes such as Asimenye Simwaka and Sam Kanyenda by presenting them with plots.
Innobuild's remarkable work in the community includes supporting charitable causes, assisting individuals in need, and promoting various community projects.
From providing building materials to sponsoring training and sewing machines to empowering disabled individuals, Innobuild has made a lasting impact in northern Malawi.
Innobuild, a subsidiary of Nasi Holdings, specialises in land development, construction, maintenance on credit, architectural designs, and property valuations.
Their dedication to transforming football and making a positive difference in the community is clearly reflected in their work in northern Malawi.