Andrew Kamanga Headlines Football Association of Malawi Symposium

Andrew Kamanga Headlines Football Association of Malawi Symposium

The President of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Andrew Kamanga, took center stage at the “Corporate Partners Meet” organized by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM). The event, held at the Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre, aimed to explore sponsorship and partnership opportunities in Malawi’s football landscape, under the theme “Transforming Your Brand.”

As the keynote speaker, Kamanga shared insights from Zambia’s football sponsorship journey, offering valuable lessons and experiences to the audience. He highlighted the evolution of football sponsorship in Zambia, tracing its roots from the era of mining firm sponsorships to the contemporary engagement with the corporate world.

Reflecting on Zambia’s economic history, Kamanga explained how the mining sector’s disruptions in the early 1990s prompted football administrators to adapt and rethink their strategies. With the turn of the millennium, Zambia shifted its focus to corporate partnerships, with telecommunications giant MTN and broadcasting heavyweight SuperSport among the key sponsors.

Kamanga emphasized the importance of treating football as a business opportunity rather than merely a social service. He underscored the need for corporates to view sponsorship as an investment rather than a corporate social responsibility (CSR), aligning with modern business practices.

Innovative fundraising initiatives, such as the KoPa brand introduced by FAZ, were highlighted as successful strategies to achieve financial independence and sustainability. Kamanga cited the exponential growth of the KoPa brand and its potential expansion into neighboring countries like Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

Additionally, Kamanga outlined future initiatives outlined in FAZ‘s strategic plan, including the proposed CHIPOPOLO Bond aimed at raising funds for football development projects across Zambia. This investment in the financial sector seeks to secure long-term funding for grassroots soccer initiatives.

FAM invited Kamanga to share Zambia’s experiences and strategies, providing valuable insights to the Malawian football community. The symposium served as a platform for collaboration and learning, fostering dialogue on enhancing sponsorship and partnership opportunities to propel Malawi’s football landscape forward.