By Chisomo Phiri
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya has hailed Southern Region Football Association(SRFA) league side Ekhaya FC for embracing proffesionalisation and commercilisation while still in the lower league.
Haiya made the remarks on Wednesday evening at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre during the team’s launch of their official kits for 2024 Season.
The FAM boss expressed optimism that the team has a potential to play into the TNM Super League.
Haiya then urged lower league clubs in the country to follow Ekhaya FC’s example of going commercial.
He said:”Progress always begins with self-belief. Ekhaya FC has just earned promotion into the second tier league but they have already shown their potential of becoming a big club through their innovations and ambitious plans.We need more clubs to follow suit.”
On his part, Ekhaya FC Director William Mpinganjira, who also represents sponsors Ekhaya Group of Companies, said they harbour ambitious plans of playing in the Super League next season and they saw it fit to enhance their brand awareness.
“We are a team that dreams big and, as we fight for top-flight league slot next season, we would like to grow in all spheres including our fan base.We are capable of becoming a big name in football,” he said.
Mpinganjira said the replica jerseys which are white, black and gold will be available for sale in all Ekhaya shops across the country.
Ekhaya FC which is nicknamed ‘Cow Boys’ won the SRFA Division One League last season to earn promotion to the Second tier League.