FDH Netball Premiership concludes

FDH Bank plc and Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) have pleaded with the country’s business community to support netball clubs that are struggling in the top-flight league due to lack of sponsorship. The bank’s managing director Noel Mkulichi and NAM president Vitumbiko Gubuduza made the calls yesterday during the conclusion of the inaugural FDH Bank Premier Netball League at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHes) Sports Complex in Blantyre. Mkulichi said although his entity injected K1.2 billion into the inaugural national netball league covering four years, translating to an annual package of K300 million until 2028, they have noted some gaps in club sponsorship and they believe other companies can help.

“I call upon the business community to sponsor teams that are struggling. For the good of the game, we need every team to be financially stable so they can scout and develop the next generation of stars,” he said. “Potential sponsors should also look at the roots of netball in the country.

I call on more partners to adopt the grassroots national netball league and cup. To have a competitive Premier League, we must cultivate talent from every district in Malawi.” Mkulichi said that FDH Bank recognises the hurdles that clubs have gone through this season, especially on the rising operationsl costs and travel logistics, and they will do their best to sort them out. “We also hear you on the need for additional marketing materials across the three regions.

[paywall]

FDH Bank plc promises to step up and provide the necessary kits and materials to ensure the league’s brand matches the talent on the court,” he said. In her rematks, Gubuduza concurred with Mkulichi that elite netball clubs are going through serious financial challenges and there is a need for more corporate partners to rescue them. “We keep our fingers crossed to see that more corporate entities come into netball and help get rid of the challenges that contribute to our slump on Netball World rankings.

Netball makes the country proud and it needs serious investment not only in tournaments but also individual clubs,” she said. Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Principal Secretary Jameson Ndalama, who was the guest of honour, said government is committed to continue providing unwavering policy support and creating an environment for sports to thrive. Meanwhile, the league’s inaugural champions, Lilongwe-based Blue Eagles Sisters spiced up their crowning moment by beating Tigress 58-33 to wind up with a 100 percent record, having won all their games.

The Malawi Police Service side has finished with 44 points from 22 games and will cart home K13 million for their feat. Another Lilongwe-based side CivoNets Sisters finished as runners-up after narrowly beating Kukoma Diamonds of Blantyre 46-43 in a thrilling match earlier on. The win saw the Civil Servants displacing Diamonds from second to third place in the 12-team league with 37 points. They will get K10 million and K8 million, respectively.

[/paywall]