Sempha withdraws volleyball sponsorship

Sempha Investments have withdrawn their K3 million Central Region Volleyball League (CRVL) sponsorship due to bad publicity.

CRVL general secretary Tarsizio Chikaonda announced the development in a statement dated July 27.

“The grounds for the withdrawal revolve around the negative publicity the league has been receiving after the incident that took place at Kumudzi Eco Learning Centre during last year’s prize presentation ceremony.

“The CRVL extends its sincere appreciation to Sempha Investments for the sponsorship and support it rendered to the league during the two seasons of its support,” reads the letter in part.

The development comes at a time some teams are boycotting fixtures against Kamuzu Barracks, in an attempt to force the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) side, to apologise for the unsporting behaviour, following the physical assault on a Mipuniro Spikers’ supporter.

Sempha Investments managing director Charles Zimba confirmed the withdrawal on Monday.

“I can confirm on the withdrawal. Our relationship with the league has been okey, and we always wanted to continue helping until the league was plagued with violence,” he said.

Volleyball Association of Malawi (VAM) general secretary Jailos Nkhoma described the development as a setback.