MuiltiChoice pumps K12m into netball
MultiChocie Malawi through their new digital television service brand, GOtv, has pumped in K11 750 000 (about $29 375) in netball sponsorship.
The company’s’ sales and marketing manager Chimwemwe Nyirenda broke the news during the launch of GOtv in Lilongwe on Friday evening which was also attended by Sports Minister Enock Chihana who was the guest of honour.
“We are delighted today to announce the sponsorship of the GOtv Netball Championship League. This fulfils the promise which was made by MultiChoice Malawi in Blantyre on January 16 that GOtv will support netball in Malawi.
“We are doing this to complement government efforts to develop the sport in the country,” said Nyirenda.
Nyirenda also revealed that the package includes sponsorship for the national netball team—the Queens.
The GOtv Champions League will involve five teams, Blue Eagles Sisters, Bingu Tigress, Civonets, Escom Sisters and MTL Queens.
The winners will cart home K1 million (about $2 500), runners-up will get K500 000 (about $1 250), third-place will get K400 000 (about $1 000), fourth best team will pocket K300 000 (about $750) while the fifth-place will get K200 000 (about $500).
Nyirenda said the gap between the winner and second-placed team is huge to enhance competition among teams.
MultiChoice has also covered administration and other expenses to be incurred by teams.
“Each team will get K500 000 (about $1 250) upfront. This money will help the teams in terms of travelling and accommodation and also meals. Each team will also be given branded uniforms with names at the back at a total cost of K500 000 (about $1 250),” said Nyirenda.
The sponsorship has also covered expenses for umpires, trophies, balls, stopwatches at a total cost of K350 000.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) will get K500 000 (about $1 250) for administration whereas K1 500 000 (about $3 750) will go towards rebranding the netball courts in the country.
The package for national team is K4 million (about $10 000) with K1 million (about $2 500) going towards the Queens preparation for the African Netball Championship which will be staged in the country later this year, whereas K3 million ($7 500) will be allocated towards netball materials such as shoes, bags and kits.
Chihana thanked MultiChoice for coming to the rescue of netball in the country.
“The national netball league will be a platform of exposing talent for the national team. Without a competitive league, it would be difficult to spot talent. We thank you so much,” said Chihana.
