The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) collaborated with NBS Bank and the Malawi Red Cross Society to distribute funds amounting to K28.7 million on Thursday. The funds were raised from this year’s FAM NBS Bank Charity Shield match, which collected K30.5 million in gate proceeds.
The objective of the distribution is to provide assistance to those affected by Cyclone Freddy-induced floods and support former Flames players.
The distribution happened in four categories. A total of K23 million has been allocated to construct five low-cost houses, four of which will be built in Ntauchira Village, T/A Likoswe in Chiradzulu. Additionally, one house will be built for the family of the late Blantyre-based Under-16 player, Mahala Mpholiwa, from Genesis Academy. Unfortunately, the floods in March washed away the Mpholiwa family’s house, resulting in their tragic loss.
Furthermore, K1 million has been provided to the family of the late former Flames and Mighty Wanderers goalkeeper, Boniface Maganga. Chitipa United’s head coach, MacDonald Nginde Mtetemera, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves coach, Enos Chatama, and Malawi national beach soccer team captain, Sandram Sadi, each received K1 million.
Former Tigers goalkeeper, Clement Mkwalula, was granted K1.5 million in support. After the distribution, FAM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alfred Gunda expressed his satisfaction with the partnership between FAM, NBS Bank, and the Malawi Red Cross Society. He acknowledged their invaluable assistance in making the Charity Shield a success and enabling them to reach out to the beneficiaries. Gunda also mentioned that once the low-cost housing projects are completed, the remaining funds will be used to provide starter packs for the families to help them get back on their feet.
NBS Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Kwanele Ngwenya, emphasized the bank’s commitment to social responsibility and its eagerness to support initiatives like the Charity Shield.
He commended the success of the 2023 event and expressed their willingness to continue supporting it in the future.
Innocent Majiya, the president of the Malawi Red Cross Society, applauded FAM and NBS for their initiative in assisting those affected by Cyclone Freddy. He encouraged other well-wishers to come forward and support the people affected by the cyclone’s devastating effects.