NAM still hopeful on Junior Queens’ support

A week before the Under-21 national netball team’s participation in the Africa Youth Netball Championship in Botswana, Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) says it is  optimistic about getting K25 million deficit from the corporate world.

NAM president Rosy Chinunda said they have been approaching a number of companies for the past two weeks as regards the deficit but no firm has so far come up with the support.

Initially, the Junior Queens budget was estimated at K80 million, but it was trimmed to K55 million due to the financial hiccups sports face in the country in general. Nevertheless, there is still a K25 million deficit after Malawi National Council of Sports provided them with funding.

“We are hopeful to get support from the corporate world because some companies told us they will do it within this week,” Chinunda said.

“I cannot say much at present because I am travelling to Blantyre [from Lilongwe] to have an executive meeting on how we are fairing with our fundraising drive.”

However, she said they will do anything possible to  ensure that the Junior Queens take part in the  continental championship that will see three teams qualify for the the 2017 World Youth Netball Championship.

Meanwhile, Junior Queens assistant coach Whyte Mlilima said the squad in camp is responding well to instructions and by the end of this week the Mary Waya-led technical panel might pick the final 12 or 14 players.

“The players’ response to training is good. But do not forget that this is a new team that needs excellent panel beating to excel at an international event, so we are taking our time,” he said.

The Africa Youth Netball Championship is expected to run from July 23 to 31.