Peppino Nosari, president of Association of Lawyers in Bergamo presenting the trophy to the winners
There was pomp and fanfare on Saturday afternoon at Andiamo ground when Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust (AYCT) in conjunction with Association of Lawyers from Bergamo in Italy launched the K1.5 million Andiamo football league in grand style in Balaka.
During the launch, which was graced by several dignitaries including the country’s football governing body, representative and district football committee officials among others, Chilobwe FC beat Manjawira Admarc.
Speaking during the launch, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) representative Raphael Humba commended Andiamo and their Italian counterparts for their commitment in the development of football in the district.
“Balaka is the only district in the southern region with sound sponsorship because of Andiamo. We are very thankful to you and we promise to run this league professionally so that we don’t let you down,” said Humba.
Part of the action of the football match
Balaka district football league (BDFL) chairperson Francis Onions said their committee will ensure transparency and accountability so that the sponsors are satisfied with the management of the league.
AYCT trustees Reverend Father Mario Pacifici called on the teams to exercise discipline throughout the league.
“We can assure you another sponsorship next year when you prove to us that you are disciplined,” said Father Pacifici.
Peppino and Fr. Mario witnessing Juliana presenting the zonal trophies
The league, being sponsored in memory of Sergio Frizzoni, a friend to the sponsors, is being held for the fourth year in a row. This year the league, being played in a league basis in eight zones, has spread across the district to accommodate more teams from rural areas.
“We will continue promoting football in the district because by doing this we are helping the youth. And we are happy with the way the committee has so far ran the affairs,” said Patrick Bwanali, coordinator for Andiamo Education Institutions.
The district champion will get K200 000 and a trophy, runners up will receive K150 000 while teams on third and fourth place will get K70 000 and K50 000 respectively. The most disciplined team will receive K20 000; top goal scorer and player of the tournament will receive K10 000 each.
Andrew Galeta addressing the gathering
There are also awards for the top four teams that will accumulate more points in the qualifying round at the zonal level will receive K20 000, K10 000, K7 000 and K5 000 respectively. The first two teams will secure the top 16 round of qualifiers.
By Bartholomew Boaz