The Central Region Football Association ( CRFA) has made a landmark move to revolutionize grassroots football after securing a transformative K15 million sponsorship package for the Divison 1 League, from renowned philanthropist Apostle Vitumbiko Mkandawire.
The one year deal – subject to renewal- comes barely a day after the body announced the League will be launched on Sunday, June 22 , 2025 at Chimbiya Community ground in Dedza district.
Speaking on the sidelines of press conference at Bingu National stadium in Lilongwe on Friday, when the parties officially sealed the deal, Mkandawire said his support aligns closely with his pastoral responsibilities and mission.
He has since urged the teams to facilitate the seamless conduct of the league, emphasizing that such efforts would positively reflect on the organization and contribute to a favorable perception among the general public.
He said; “I thought of supporting football because it is one way that I use as I spread the Gospel to the nations.”
One of the CRFA marketing committee members, Bishop MacLean Chimwemwe said the sponsorship package represents a crucial milestone in the organization’s efforts to support and develop grassroots football.
He said that this initiative would serve as a significant catalyst for fostering local talent and enhancing the development of the sport at the community level.
“We are thankful to Apostle Mkandawire for providing us with this sponsorship package that we have received today. This is good news and very interesting one to us. It marks a significant step in supporting grassroots football in the region,” He Chimwemwe.
Under the package, the League’s top performers will pocket K3 Million while runners up will bag K 1.8 Million.
Third and Fourth places will receive K1.2 million and K 1 million, respectively.
This one-year deal also injects fresh life into the Division One League, promising lucrative rewards for top goal scorers and journalists.According to a communique we have seen, District teams of Chimbiya Stars and Lobi Young Soccer will battle it out during the opening match of this year’s competition.
