Airtel in K360m netball sponsorship
Airtel Malawi Limited has announced a K360 million (US$1.1 million) sponsorship deal with the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM), an agreement that will last for the next three years.
In the agreement, K120 million (US$373 831) will be spent on national netball league and all activities of the Malawi netball team, The Queens, with the Fast5 competition scheduled for New Zealand next month, first in the calendar.
“Oftentimes, it has been disheartening to read in the press that our netball team has failed to participate in a certain tournament due to lack of funds. Each time you hear of a failure in netball, it is about funds failing the team, and not the team being defeated.
“Airtel says enough of that cry for a game-changer is here. Through our Airtel Money brand, we have decided to associate ourself with the winning sport – netball by partnering with NAM in a three-year sponsorship to the tune of K360 million. This is a sponsorship level which no sport has ever received in the history of this country,” said Airtel Money country director, Andrew Santhe.
A detailed plan of how much will be allocated to The Queens and the national netball league in a year will be announced soon with the grand launch of the partnership taking place in three weeks, according to Santhe.
NAM president Rose Chinunda said that Malawians should expect a lot on the national level as The Queens will conquer the world with the sponsorship.
“Apart from developing the game locally, The Queens are set to soar like an Eagle as every competition that comes our way, we will ably participate starting with next month’s Fast5 tournament in New Zealand. We will do well and move from number five to position one in the world,” she said.
Minister of Youth and Sports Enock Chihana held Airtel Malawi for the sponsorship, saying it will go a long way in the development of netball in the country.
The Queens leave on October 11 for New Zealand via Australia where they have been invited for a number of friendlies ahead of the global championship. The team is expected to be back on November 12.
