BY: Kassim Kajosolo
His Excellency the State President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, has generously donated K50 million to support the Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, ahead of their participation in this year’s COSAFA Cup, set to take place in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
According to a statement released by State House, the donation follows a meeting held today between President Chakwera and Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President, Fleetwood Haiya.
During the meeting, the President extended his best wishes to the Flames as they prepare to face Lesotho in their opening Group B fixture. In a significant development, Dr Chakwera also accepted FAM’s request to serve as the official Patron for both the Malawi Flames and the Scorchers, the women’s national football team.
“During the meeting, His Excellency the President also accepted Mr Haiya’s invitation for the President to serve as Patron for the Malawi Flames and Scorchers going forward — a role in which President Chakwera will lead and rally the nation in rendering moral, monetary, and material support for the two national teams,” reads the official statement.
Confirming the development to the media, State House Press Officer Anthony Kasunda stated: “It is true that the President was asked by FAM to become Patron for the national football teams, and I can confirm that he has accepted the role for both the Flames and the Scorchers.”
Kasunda further emphasised the President’s commitment: “The President will lead both morally and in fundraising, to ensure that our football teams do not struggle financially and are fully supported.”
The K50 million donation from President Chakwera is aimed at boosting the Flames’ preparations and performance at the COSAFA Cup tournament. The team has already arrived in South Africa, carrying the hopes of the nation as they chase regional glory.
With the President now officially at the helm as Patron, Malawi’s national football teams have a renewed sense of purpose and national backing, setting the stage for a promising tournament.