Flagship mobile telecommunications operator, Airtel Malawi Plc has increased the the Airtel Top 8 three- year sponsorship by a staggering 80 percent from K243 million to a whooping K655 million.
The integrated mobile network and information communications technology provider’s managing director Charles Kamoto unveiled the new deal on Monday morning at the Mpira Village in Blantyre.
Following the development, the package for the 2024 edition will be K180million.
This will be increased to K220million in 2025 and K255million in 2026.
In the new deal the winners purse has been upped to K30 million from K17.5 million while runners up will get a doubled prize of K10 million.
Each participating team will also receive K2.5 million while player of the tournament and top-goal scorer will get K1.5m and K1 million, respectively. Last year, the individual awardees got K500 000 each.
Kamoto says this underscores their unwavering dedication to celebrating talent, fostering competition and bringing more excitement to football fans across the country.
“It is my belief that this substantial investment will not only elevate the Cup but also enhance the experience for players, teams, and fans alike. This is simply because this is the value that we believe football deserves in this country.
“These Top 8 prize increases reflect our commitment to recognizing and celebrating Madolo excellence at every level of the competition. Moreover, the prizes in the renewed package will be increasing every year, ensuring that the competition remains fierce and that both teams and individual awardees are continually motivated to perform at their best. Izizi ndi ZaMadolo!
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) all our partners, stakeholders, and our Dolo fans for their unwavering support. We are here because of you! Here’s to three more amazing years of ZaMadolo! Let’s break more milestones together,” he said.
FAM President Fleetwood Haiya promised Airtel Malawi value for their investment money .
“Airtel Top 8 touches all football stakeholders in some way, and this shows that the competition is a big brand . Airtel Top 8 – ZA MADOLO is now a household name. Our fans could not wait any longer. They have been asking us when is Airtel Top 8 coming back again? Today you have answered them resoundly.
“The huge jump of the is massive and good for the transformation of the game in the country. We remain overly optimistic that Airtel will continue to grow even more with this sponsorship renewal, and we commit to continue giving value for your investment.
“The biggest differentiator with Airtel Top 8 is that it is not only very competitive but also highly rewarding to the teams,” said Haiya.
This year’s competition will be played between September and November.
Below is the break down of the sponsorship:
– Winner’s Prize: The champions of the Top 8 Cup will see their prize money increase from K17.5 million in 2023 to a staggering K30 million in 2024; K35 million in 2025; and K40 million in 2026.
– Runner-Up: The runner-up will now receive K10 million in 2024; K12 million in 2025; and K14 million in 2026, up from K5 million in 2023.
– Participation Fees Per Team: Each participating team will now receive K2.5 million in 2024, K3 million in 2025 and K4 million in 2026, compared to K1 million in 2023.
– Dolo wa Tournament (also known as Player of the Tournament): The standout player will be awarded K1.5 million in 2024; K1.725 million in 2025; and K2 million in 2026, up from K500,000 in 2023.
– Top Goal Scorer: The top goal scorer will receive K1 million in 2024; K1,350 million in 2025; and K1.5 million in 2026, compared to K500,000 in 2023.
– Dolo wa Match (also known as Man of the Match): Each man of the match will be awarded K100,000 in 2024; K115,000 in 2025; and K140,000 in 2026, up from K50,000 in 2023.
– Individual Prizes for Dolo wa Print, Radio, TV, Online and Photography: Has also increased to K250,000 in 2024; K300,000 in 2025; and K350,000 each in 2026.
“Izizi ndi ZaMadolo!”
Charles Kamoto
Airtel Managing Director
