In a heartfelt appeal during Silver Strikers’ first-ever awards ceremony, George Kaudza Masina, the team’s Board Chair, appealed to the team’s financial funders to give more to meet the club’s growing needs compounded by the silent devaluation.
The event, held at Lilongwe Capital Hotel to honor players for their remarkable achievement of winning the championship after a 13-year drought, brought together many football lovers and fans of the Bankers.
Kaudza, a longtime driving force behind the club, revealed the impact of the on-going economic crisis in Malawi. With prices steadily rising, Kaudza revealed that it was becoming increasingly expensive to support its players with basic needs like football boots.
In their championship winning season, the club allocated K80 000 per player for boots every round of the league.
However, Kaudza said, the amount has become inadequate, as prices for quality football boots have more than doubled to between K150 000 and K180 000.
Malawi is grappling with a series of economic challenges that have caused the cost of living. Inflation, coupled with the instability of the local currency, has made it harder for businesses and individuals to keep up with daily expenses.
This will likely be felt in the sports community and may threaten the competitive edge as the new season commences in March.
Meanwhile, during the gala, Chimwemwe Idana went away with the player of the season award, carting home a 65 inch plasma TV courtesy of Betway Malawi and K400 000 cash. Another big winner of the night was Chimwemwe Gondwe of Silver Ladies who went away with the top goal scorer and player of the season accolades.
Other winners of the night included defender Macdonald Lameck (Best defender), striker Chinsinsi Maonga (Most improved player), goalkeeper George Chikooka (Best goalkeeper) and striker Binwell Katinji (top goal scorer).
Speaking to players, Reserve Bank governor Dr Mafuta Mwale promised them that new team bus will be in the country by May this year.
“I want five consecutive championship,” Mwale told Silver Strikers players to which they agreed to deliver.
