“Thumbs up for Thumbs up” was the common word of thanks by officials from the Football Association of Malawi and the Southern Region Football League as they appreciated Rab Processors for sponsorship worth 14m.

The Southern Region Football League is now known as Thumbs Up Football League, courtesy of Malawi’s carbonated soft drink. Rab Processors’ Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Sunka presented the sponsorship as a gesture to extend the Thumbs Up brand into football. “Our ethos as Rab processors is establishing lifetime partnerships” said Sunka, “so we believe that our partnership with football will be long lasting and mutually beneficial”.

The sponsorship ceremony happened at Mpira Village in Chiwembe, with the ceremony’s host, Gome Zakazaka revealing that the 14m sponsorship broke record, making the league the richest in comparison to other Malawi Regional Leagues.

FAM President Nyamilandu Manda had nothing but appreciation remarks for the sponsorship, stating that previously it was hard to find a steady sponsor. “Pledges were made but not fulfilled, so the league suffered” said Manda, explaining that the sponsorship is the best gift ever.

“We are looking forward to an exciting and highly competitive league” said Sunka in his closing remarks, “through the football platform, Thumbs up will be established as Malawi’s very own carbonated soft drink”