No GOtv netball tourney this year

Multichoice Malawi have said they will not sponsor the GOtv Netball Champions League this year, saying the local netball calendar was too tight to accommodate the 2016 edition of the annual event.

In spite of that, Multichoice Malawi marketing manager Chimwemwe Nyirenda said yesterday that next year’s sponsorship will depend on Netball Association of Malawi’s (NAM) netball calendar and the local netball governing body’s advice on the way forward.

“This year, obviously, it will not be possible to hold the tournament as we are approaching to December; the rainy season. Because of the tight netball calendar that included national team engagements, it was difficult to have a chance for the event,” Nyirenda said.

“As for next year, it will depend on NAM’s calendar. We will wait for the advice from them.”

When asked if their decision is also as a result of loss of business due to the persistent power outages in the country, Nyirenda said that is not mainly the case.

NAM president Rosy Chinunda expressed surprise and shock with the development, describing it as a big blow to netball development in the country.

“Multichoice have not officially communicated to us on the development. It will, therefore, be difficult for me to comment. We take GOtv tournament as one of our major tournaments,” she said.

Malawi Queens and Kukoma Diamonds defender Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda has described MultiChoice Malawi’s decision as a setback to the netballers.

“As you know, most of us, netballers, bank on lucrative competitions such as GOtv Champions League to be financially stable as we get something through the event,” she said.