FDH Bank’s K100m boost saves TESSAM’s CUCSA campaign

FDH Bank has come to the rescue of the Tertiary Students Sports Association of Malawi (TESSAM) with a K100 million sponsorship for the 2026 Confederation of University and College Sports Association (CUCSA) Games in Botswana, ensuring the country’s participation after the trip faced possible cancellation due to financial constraints.

Speaking during the sponsorship presentation, FDH Holdings Marketing Manager Tiyese Kawerama said the bank remains committed to supporting sports development at all levels, from grassroots to elite competition.

“As a Malawian bank, we believe in nurturing talent and investing in the future of our young people. We are proud to support these athletes and hope they will represent the country well and bring home medals,” said Kawerama.

TESSAM President Lameck Zetu Khonje described the sponsorship as a landmark contribution, noting that inadequate funding has often limited the association’s ability to participate in regional and international competitions organised by the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

“This support has come at a critical time. Without it, our participation was in doubt. We are confident that the athletes selected from various tertiary institutions have what it takes to compete and win medals,” said Khonje.

The Malawi National Council of Sports also applauded FDH Bank for the timely intervention, revealing that TESSAM had nearly abandoned the trip because of financial challenges.

Athlete Prince Kachitsa said the team is better prepared for this year’s competition after conducting three training camps, compared to only one camp ahead of the 2024 edition held in South Africa.

A total of 130 athletes and officials are expected to travel to Gaborone, Botswana, where Malawi will compete in five sporting disciplines: football, athletics, basketball, chess and volleyball.

The CUCSA Games are held every two years and bring together university athletes from across the Southern African region.