Flames Legends handed K8million lifeline from generous corporate backers
Flames Legends Association (FLA) has received a welcome K8 million boost from two corporate sponsors, offering vital support for the welfare of Malawi’s football icons, though the association still faces a substantial shortfall as it races to fund its upcoming activities.
Simama Hotel led the way with a generous K5 million contribution, presented during a handover ceremony in Lilongwe.
Speaking at the event, the hotel’s Operations Director Fiskani Kazembe praised FLA’s ongoing efforts to support the wellbeing of former footballers who once represented the nation on the pitch.
“We appreciate the relationship we have with FLA. We are happy to offer our services to you. We recognise players who brought pride and prominence to the country,” she said.
Austo Brake & Clutch also came to the association’s aid, donating a further K3 million towards FLA’s activities.
The company’s Managing Director, Austin Kasito, said the donation reflected the firm’s broader commitment to giving back to the communities that support its business.
“We love sports and we like to give back to the communities that support our business. We thought it wise to play a role in helping the Flames legends. They gave us good moments as a country and we need to appreciate them. We are contributing K3 million to FLA,” Kasito said.
FLA trustee Kinnah Phiri expressed heartfelt gratitude to both companies, confirming that the combined K8 million donation would go directly toward the association’s medical scheme, as well as helping fund its Annual General Meeting scheduled for Saturday at the Bingu International Convention Centre.
Despite the timely boost, Phiri was candid about the financial challenge still facing the association.
“We really appreciate their contributions. The funds will go towards the intended purpose, the medical scheme and the Annual General Meeting.
“We are now remaining with a deficit of K58 million. Our budget is at K250 million. We are confident that we will manage to raise it in the remaining days,” he said.
With the AGM fast approaching, FLA now finds itself in a race against time to close the remaining funding gap, as organisers continue appealing for further corporate support to ensure the welfare of the nation’s football legends remains properly funded.
