Wa Ganyu

Promise broken. For 18 years after promising to always be with the Malawi league Always with us, Telecom Networks Malawi Plc has ended its association with the Malawi Super League, surrendering league sponsorship to FDH Bank. The top flight league will now be known as the FDH Bank Premiership.

January 14, 2026 will be remembered as a significant turning point in Malawian football, as the league embarked on a new chapter marked by a major financial boost for both administration and players.

The sponsorship agreement is valued at K5 billion over five years, running from 2026 to 2030. This translates to K1 billion per season, with the value set to rise in subsequent seasons.

The deal was officially announced at 19:15 at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre. Speaking at the event, FDH Bank Managing Director Noel Mkulichi described the partnership as a game-changer, noting that part of the funding will directly benefit players.

“This is the first of its kind in Malawi. We believe more is coming. Our focus is not only on improving the game, but also on improving the welfare of players,” he said.

Under the new package, the league champions will receive K200 million, up from K100 million last season, while the runners-up will pocket K100 million.

FDH Bank has also introduced a K100 million players’ welfare fund, which will benefit 30 players per team.

The players will be automatically enrolled in FDH Bank Life Cover, under which a player will receive K300,000 in funeral assistance in the event of the loss of an immediate family member.

Sulom President Brigadier Gilbert Mitawa welcomed the development, describing it as a landmark agreement. He said FDH Bank had made a bold decision to invest heavily in sport at a time when sponsorship was difficult to secure and described the players’ welfare revolving fund as a game-changer.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Patricia Wiskies also applauded the bank for its support, describing FDH Bank as bwenzi losaona nyengo, a friend for all seasons.

The TNM sponsorship, which was valued at K500 million per season, officially ended in 2025. Although discussions were held between Sulom and TNM to extend the partnership, no agreement was reached.

FDH Bank’s entry into league sponsorship also marks the end of the FDH Bank Cup, as the bank shifts its full focus to supporting the league. Mkulichi confirmed that the Football Association of Malawi has already been formally notified of the decision.