TNM queried on Super League sponsorship

TNM plc had a tough time on Monday justifying a K150 million annual sponsorship of the country’s top flight league, TNM Super League, at its annual general meeting in Blantyre, with shareholders describing it as minimal.

One of the shareholders, Lovemore Tinto, wondered how, in Malawi’s economy, winners of a league that runs for a whole year can be pocketing K40 million.

He described the sponsorship of the league as a privilege which TNM has and should cherish so that players, who are a key stakeholder in the league, also benefit from the sponsorship.

“There is a lot that goes into the game and teams invest a lot of money only to get K40 million at the end of the year. Therefore I suggest that the sponsorship should be increased further,” he said.

In response, TNM Board Chairperson Ted Sauti Phiri said people should look at the sponsorship from a long term perspective, having been sponsoring the league since 2006.

He added that this demonstrates the company’s commitment to contributing to the growth of the country, especially football.

“Some people would want to come in, short term, but our marriage with football in this country is long term and we have contributed a lot to the development of football and you can rest assured that we will continue sponsoring the league,” he said.

Football legend Peterkins Kayira agreed with Tinto’s sentiments indicating that, as it is now, teams are milked.

He indicated that the money that is invested in football by TNM is made within a short period but the marketing they get from football goes all year long.

“If we are really to come close to equating how the Super League helps TNM with marketing, the company should even be investing more in football but as it is now, football is just making money for TNM,” Kayira said.

TNM has been sponsoring the Super League for the past 17 years and the amount of sponsorship has been rising.