Members of the MFF and officials of KBZ Bank at the ceremony announcing KBZ’s league sponsorship. Photo: MMK
THE first-ever match of Myanmar Women’s League for the 2016-2017 season will take place on December 10 at Bogyoke Aung San Stadium in downtown Yangon.
Seven football clubs — Sports and Physical Education FC, Myawady FC, Gandama FC, Zwegabin FC, YERO FC, Home Affairs Ministry FC and Institute of Sports and Physical Education FC — will participate this season for the first time. Although it is difficult to attract more football fans for women’s leagues internationally, the organisers will run the game with female players to improve their football skills and ability of referees, said U Zaw Zaw, chairman of the Myanmar Football Federation.
The MFF’s efforts to establish a women’s league started two years ago. U Hla Htay, chairman of Myanmar Women League Organising Committee, said the committee will provide Ks20 million each participating team. Currently, Kanbawza Bank, the largest private commercial bank, pledged to offer Ks300 million as a major sponsor to support the league. Kanbawza bank inked the one-year sponsorship agreement on Friday in Yangon. In the past, Myanmar faced difficulties in starting the women’s league at a time when some ASEAN countries had already developed women’s football leagues.
The best FC will be awarded Ks15 million, with Ks10 million for second place team and Ks5 million for third place team. The best player will be awarded Ks300,000. — Myitmakha News Agency