Standard Bank partners Blue Eagles FC

Standard Bank Malawi plc yesterday unveiled a K250 million sponsorship for Blue Eagles FC at the Malawi Police Service Headquarters in Lilongwe.

The good news could not have come at a better time than when the Eagles stand proudly at the summit of the top-flight FDH Bank Premiership.

All smiles: Madinga (L) Luhanga (C) and Kalua during a dummy visa card presentation. | Jacob Nankhonya

Announcing the sponsorship, Standard Bank chief executive Philip Madinga said they have been drawn to the sponsorship by the achievement of the club over years.

“At Standard Bank, our purpose is clear: Malawi is our home, we drive her growth. We believe that supporting sport is one of the most effective ways of contributing to that growth because sport creates opportunity, develops talent, strengthens communities, and inspires the next generation of leaders,” he said.

Madinga, himself a former talented footballer, then posed, swept his eyes across the room to capture everyone’s attention, and let the thrilling news burst forth.

“That is why today we are proud to commit a one-year long sponsorship of K250 million to Blue Eagles Football Club. This investment will make Standard Bank the name sponsor of the team that has demonstrated remarkable performance in Malawi’s football landscape,” he said amid applause.

“This sponsorship will cover the team’s key priorities, including playing kit and selected team apparel and administrative support with a focus on improving team performance. The sponsorship also officially changes the team’s name to: “Standard Bank Blue Eagles Football Club”.

In his speech, Malawi Police Service Inspector General Richard Luhanga said the donation has come at the right time and thanked Standard Bank for the gesture.

Said the police chief: “We are a sports-oriented organisation and we want success in all sports disciplines not just football. The importance of sponsorship to Blue Eagles cannot be overemphasised.

“The milestone today is another victory that we can get sponsorship despite being a government team. Our mission statement is working together with all stakeholders. We are grateful for this sponsorship. We are struggling to run the team. This sponsorship will help us run our team.”

Malawi National Council board chairperson Jim Kalua also thanked Standard Bank for investing in the MPS team.

He said: “This is an important partnership, and as Sports Council, we commend Standard Bank. This is more than a financial support. It is an important investment in the growth of Sports in the country.

“The sponsorship will strengthen operational capacity of the club to help the club operate successfully at the highest level. Government alone cannot develop sports. There is need for partnership. I urge Blue Eagles to ensure issues of good governance are undertaken and also bring results on the pitch.”

Blue Eagles chief administration officer William Nkhoma said the sponsorship will enhance talent identification and help Eagles achieve success on domestic and international stage.

“Despite having good sponsorship from World Bet and Sana Cash and Carry operational challenges still remain. That’s why we are grateful for this sponsorship. We are looking forward to a successful partnership that it will have a long time impact,” he said.

“This is a major milestone for the police outfit as the sponsorship will act as motivation to the players to perform well on the pitch,” he said.

The post Standard Bank partners Blue Eagles FC appeared first on Nation Online.