By Blessings Bomati

Sponsors of the Castel Challenge Cup, Castel Malawi, say they are satisfied with the role the competition has played in developing football in Malawi.

The company’s Managing Director, Thomas Reynaud, says it is encouraging to see that, over the past three years, the tournament has unearthed talent from district level to the national stage.

Reynaud adds that they are also pleased with how the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has managed the competition during this period.

“We are very happy to see how our support has brought excitement among Malawians and promoted unity. That is exactly what we wanted to achieve, and it has been accomplished,” said Reynaud.

With the initial three-year agreement between Castel Malawi and FAM now concluded, Reynaud says discussions are underway to determine the future of the partnership.

Meanwhile, FAM President Fleetwood Haiya is confident that the new sponsorship deal will be more attractive than the previous three-year package.

“After finalising everything, we will inform Malawians about the new agreement and the amount of money Castel will invest,” says Haiya.

The three-year sponsorship was worth over K1 billion, making it one of the most lucrative tournaments in the country, with the winner pocketing K50 million and K25 million for the runners-up.

The 2023 inaugural edition saw FCB Nyasa Big Bullets win the trophy against Silver Strikers through penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

In 2024, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers lifted the title with a 1-0 win over Mzuzu City Hammers.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets clinched the title this year for the second time after defeating Goshen City Dedza Dynamos 2-1.