Reserve Bank Governor Dr George Partridge on Thursday reiterated the Central Bank’s commitment to supporting Silver Strikers, saying the club has great potential and that he looks forward to seeing more success stories in the future.
The governor, said that when the team shines it also reflects on the community that it hails from. He therefore urged the team to push harder and remain hungry for success, just as the founders and players of the past did.
Dr Partridge was speaking at an interface meeting with the team held at the Central Bank in Lilongwe.
“Today is a special day for me as a Silver Strikers Patron to finally meet you since my return to the Bank. I have been a Silver Strikers supporter since 1983. This club has a rich history, we used to work with the likes of Zex Rajab, Dickson Mbetewa, and Young Chimodzi just to mention a few. I was at one point an interim Treasurer for the club therefore I know how it feels to be part of the team. Going forward, I expect the team to do more as it has what it takes to do so,” he said.
Dr Partridge returned to the Reserve Bank of Malawi in January this year after being appointed as Governor, nearly 30 years after leaving the institution.
“This meeting marks the start of our next chapter for the club. The Bank has already invested a lot in the team and we are willing to do more. Therefore I am ready to walk with you in this journey of making Silver Strikers a powerhouse of football in Malawi,” he added.
Representing Silver Strikers at the Interface meeting were members the Silver Strikers Board led by its Chairperson Dr. George Kaudza Masina, the Secretariat led by the Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chimimba, Head Coaches for the Senior Men’s team, Reserve and Youth Teams, as well as the Ladies’ team.
Also present at the meeting were Silver Strikers Men’s team and Ladies’ players.
In her remarks, RBM Executive Director (Corporate Services) Mercy Kumbatira said the Central Bank has a keen interest in the growth of Silver Strikers as the club is the ambassador of the Bank.
“Silver Strikers occupies a special place at RBM, the club’s achievements bring pride to the Central Bank and football fans across the country and beyond. We therefore would like to commend the Board, Secretariat, Technical teams and Players for the good job you are doing,” she said.
On behalf of the Club, Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chimimba stressed the need for more strategic investments in the club.
“The Club is 49 years old this year, we will be celebrating a Silver Jubilee next year. I feel it is time that we see Silver Strikers beyond the 90 minutes. It is time to make strategic investments such as the construction of training and academy facilities that would bring more revenue for the club. Currently, the club has more than 150 employees which shows growth and we continue to grow based on the needs of the game,” said Chimimba.
Chimimba thanked the Governor for making time to meet the team saying the gesture has shown his love for the game of football in general and the team in particular.
The interface meeting came ahead of the Silver Strikers Ladies’ CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA Qualifiers next month.
