By Petro Mkandawire
TNM Super League’s Bangwe All Stars Football Club has organised a fundraising dinner and dance on February 24 at Sogecoa Golden Peacock Hotel in Blantyre to raise funds for the team’s operations.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency on Tuesday, the club\’s Chief Executive Officer Chikumbutso Mathumba said they have decided to host the dinner after the team’s assessment on what resources the team would require in 2024 season.
He said the team developed a number of fundraising activities to help prepare for the 2024 football season, adding the club thought of starting with the dinner which was seen as a great opportunity to raise more funds to help in smooth running of the club.
“It is the first time our team decided to organise such kind of fundraising event because with the experience that we had in the previous season, we have established that we may not have sufficient funds to enable us to run the team throughout the season,” said Mathumba.
Mathumba further said the team realised they have resources equivalent to 50% of the team’s total budget, adding they are now fetching for the remaining 50%.
However, Mathumba expressed optimism that stakeholders and other well-wishers will support them with the remaining amount.
The event charges have been split up for entry into various categories which include single entry at K25,000 and double entry at K40,000, adding they have organised special tables like Platinum which is at K3 million, Gold at K2 million while Silver Table is at K1 million.
He said the event will be spiced up with different well-known musicians like Skeffa Chimoto and Gibo Pearson, among others.
Speaking with sports analyst Kim Kamau, he commended Bangwe All Stars for the initiative, saying the team has developed a good source of income, as it will help to minimise challenges faced by the club, pointing out that it is not easy for a football club to organise such kind of event.
“Well-wishers and other stakeholders can influence the circumstances of football here in Malawi. There is need for funds for our football clubs to grow, so it’s a good move by Bangwe All Stars, as this will boost the team’s performance,” said Kamau.