Speaking at the launch which took place at Chibavi ground, Deputy Minister of Defense Jappie Mhango said government appreciates the role played by the private sector and individuals in developing sports in the country.

Mhango thanked the Member of Parliament for Mzuzu City for sponsoring the trophy which he said would assist the youth to be kept busy in the City.

“As government we appreciate what individuals and the private sector do in developing different sporting disciplines including football,” said Mhango.

He, however urged the youth to be disciplined to attract other sponsorship.

“You know Sponsors are not happy to be associated with violence… and let me ask our youth to remain disciplined even if Referees make mistakes to attract more sponsors,” advised the Deputy Minister of Defence.

Mhango also asked other Parliamentarians to emulate what Mzuzu City MP has done by sponsoring as many trophies in their areas to assist in sports development at grass root level.

In a separate interview Njikho said the football trophy was introduced to keep youth in Mzuzu city busy at the same time thank them for voting him into power.

“I have introduced this trophy because of three reasons; to thank people for voting me to power, as a corporate social responsibility over my business of Uncle Jose and keeping the youth busy,”  Njikho, who is MP for the ruling DPP, said.

Njikho added that it was his expectation that the trophy will run without political interference.

“This Trophy is for youth regardless of political affiliations. This is why we have chosen sports technocrats to run the trophy,” said Njikho.

Speaking earlier, District Sports organizer for Mzuzu City Olga Mushani thanked Njikho for the sponsorship.

She however asked the Parliamentarian to consider a netball trophy for ladies as well in future.

Also present during the launch were Mayor of Mzuzu City Councilor William Mkandawire and his vice councilor Frazer Chunga.