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| Sports |
| MTL Wanderers, Queens’ sponsorship uncertain |
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by
Garry Chirwa, 31 December 2004
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12:03:00
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The future of MTL Wanderers FC and MTL Queens netball team’s sponsorship is not certain following the privatisation of the their sponsors Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) which is on course and is scheduled for completion mid next year.
MTL’s board chair Kalekeni Kaphale said on Thursday that it is difficult to determine the future of the two teams’ sponsorship considering the privatisation drive.
“I think the future of the sponsorship will be determined by the prospective buyers and I wouldn’t really speak on their behalf but it is possible that they might decide not to continue with the sponsorship.
“It is possible that they can stop or continue sponsoring and it is also possible that even MTL can stop now. It is a voluntary agreement that we should sponsor these teams, nobody forced us to sponsor them, so as I said it’s either way,” said Kaphale.
But the MTL board chair was quick was to point out that: “For now we don’t have any intention of quitting the sponsorship but that doesn’t stop us from intending to quit sponsorship the next day, but so far so good.”
Nomads’ chair Sydney Chikoti said the Lali Lubani Road outfit is aware of the developments at MTL and cannot sit back believing that sponsorship will continue.
“We are not sure about the policy of the prospective buyers of MTL and what their thought process will be on that one but in the meantime we will be looking at other ways of sourcing funds.
“After all funds are not fully met by MTL and they have no problems with the team looking for a joint sponsor which we are currently doing,” explained Chikoti.
But the nomads boss said they are keeping their fingers crossed that the prospective buyers will maintain the sponsorship, stating that “some of the bidders are Malawian companies and I am sure they would want to continue with social responsibilities.”
He also said the nomads will be hoping that even if a decision not to take the team on board is made, it will not be immediate but rather gradual.
Privatisation Commission’s executive secretary Maziko Sauti Phiri said he could not be drawn to comment on the issue.
“I have no idea really on how that issue will be handled, I think I would advise you to wait until the transaction is finalised,” said Sauti Phiri.
Press Corporation Limited’s (PCL), who are one of the prospective buyers of the telecommunications company, said it would be far too early to comment on the future of the two teams.
“I think it’s far too premature to comment on the issue now because it is still an on-going process and it involves other companies and all I can say for now is that we will cross the bridge when we reach it,” said PCL chief executive Mathews Chikaonda.
Government initially approved the consortium comprising PCL, CDC Capital Partners and Detecom International as the preferred bidders but the structure has now changed with Nico Holdings joining the group.
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