By Arkangel Tembo
Blantyre, February 10, Mana: Newly appointed Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola has advised management of Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) to bring back football and netball sponsorships as one way of promoting its brand and fight mental health problems among its employees.
Matola made the request on Wednesday when he met ESCOM officials in Blantyre, where he also visited Chichiri Power House offices.
He reminded the power distribution institution that there was a time when the company used to sponsor a football team called ESCOM United which was one of the household names providing competition to big teams like Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers.
“I have asked management at ESCOM to look into the aspect of bringing back sponsorship to netball and football because today, there are many mental issues taking place in our homes and even at work places.
“But to release that pressure of mental health issues, we need to socialise by bringing back some of the sporting activities which were there during the old days so that ESCOM can raise its flag in terms of social activities,” said Matola.
Responding to the minister’s proposal, ESCOM Acting Chief Executive Officer, Clement Kanyama said the matter would be presented to the company’s board of directors.
“We are a state-owned company and the minister has explained better why it is important for corporate entities to support sporting activities,” he said.
Kanyama expressed the company’s commitment to supporting and sponsoring sporting activities in the country, saying they would take the minister’s request to the board of directors.
ESCOM used to own a football club which played in the top flight league and a netball team which rebranded to Kukoma Diamonds Netball Club.
The football club was founded in 1992 and won three Super League titles in 2007, 2008 and 2010 before disbanding in 2012.
During that time, ESCOM United had players like Peter Wadabwa, Limbikani Mzava, Chiukepo Msowoya and the late Noel Mkandawire, while for the netball side there were notable players such as Mwawi Kumwenda and Towera Vinkhumbo who are currently plying their trade in Europe.