Airtel Malawi Limited plc Managing Director Aashish Dutt has said the mobile network provider will continue sponsoring the Airtel Top 8 Cup.
Dutt made the remarks on Wednesday night at Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre when Airtel commemorated the conclusion of the 2024 Airtel Top 8 season seven.
He thanked Football Association of Malawi (Fam) for making the competition a success.
“Airtel acknowledges the unparalleled enthusiasm of football fans who have propelled Airtel Top 8 forward through their vibrant engagement, be it through attending matches, embracing Airtel-branded t-shirts or leveraging innovations like Airtel Money. Your love for Airtel Top 8 has been the driving force behind its growth,” Dutt said.
Dutt added that Airtel was proud to be the pioneering competition for Mpira TV, witnessing its incredible growth.
He said Airtel Top 8 was about innovation and touching base with community members.
“We have creative ways of engaging fans, energising supporters and nurturing a love for the beautiful game. Airtel Top 8 continues to be more than just a football tournament; it is a platform for fostering innovation, empowerment and development in Malawi’s football ecosystem.
“From boosting gate revenues through activations and contributing to broadcasting rights, to amplifying the impact of initiatives such as Fam’s Mpira TV, which grew from 2,500 subscribers to over 130,000, the competition exemplifies commitment to growth,” Dutt said.
Fam President Fleetwood Haiya thanked Airtel for being a real football partner for the past seven years.
Haiya said he believed Airtel’s support had improved football standards across the country.
“We, as an association, shall always be grateful to Airtel for its contribution towards the development of football in the country. We will now engage all the stakeholders, including fans, as they gear up for more from Airtel in the new season.
Airtel Malawi has shown commitment to continue sponsoring the cup and we are very grateful.
“Let me state here that we, as Fam, will ensure that the competition is run professionally and free from violence and hooliganism. We are, therefore, looking forward to having a wonderful season with Airtel. Without doubt, Airtel Top 8 will remain one of our best cups,” Haiya said.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets won the cup after beating Silver Strikers 1-0 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, thanks to Ernest Petro’s goal.
Bullets walked away with K30 million, with Silver getting K10 million for finishing second.
0 Comments