SRFA, Rab Processors in Talks to Revive Man of the Match Awards

The Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) and Rab Processors Limited, sponsors of the ThumbsUp Premier Division League, are in discussions to bring back the suspended Man of the Match awards.

The awards were launched alongside the league on May 4 at Mulanje Park Stadium, where Misheck Billiat became the inaugural recipient. The midfielder inspired FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserve to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Friends of Mulanje Orphans (FOMO) Reserve, earning a crate of ThumbsUp soft drinks as agreed between SRFA and the sponsors.

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However, the initiative stalled just weeks into the season. Some clubs raised concerns, alleging the awards favored Bullets, while Rab Processors later cited production challenges due to foreign exchange shortages that affected raw material imports.

SRFA chairperson Dyles Kachala has now revealed that talks are underway to revive the awards program.

“I engaged them and raised the concern that they were not fulfilling their responsibility,” Kachala said. “They explained that the forex shortage slowed down their production. I suggested converting the crate into a monetary award – for example, K20,000 instead of a crate for the Man of the Match. But we are yet to reach an agreement. Once that is done, communication will be made.”

The awards have proven meaningful to players beyond their material value. Billiat, the first winner, said the recognition provided renewed motivation.

“I was very happy to be voted Man of the Match. This accolade has greatly motivated me, and I’ll keep working hard to maintain this level of performance throughout the season,” he said.

The second round of the ThumbsUp Premier Division is already in its second week, with Ekhaya FC currently leading the standings.