Local netball giants Tigresses have organised a fundraising gala dinner to meet the welfare of players after losing sponsorship from College of Medicine (CoM) Sports Complex few months ago.
The team’s manager Hellene Mpinganjira-Tasosa told The Nation on Tuesday that the event, which will take place at the Greek Club, opposite Universal Industries, in Blantyre on February 26, aims at fundraising ahead of the start of next season.
“We have realised that the going will be tough as a team that has no sponsorship. We, therefore, need to do something for the welfare of our players in terms of paying for their hostel rentals, food and utility bills. The only better option is to raise funds through such a decent event, whose tickets are already on sale,” she said.
According to Mpinganjira-Tasosa, the team survives largely on prize money in domestic competitions, but she noted that it was not a sustainable way to keep them going.
“Even during this off-season break, we still need to give our players their monthly upkeep allowances. But where would we get that money if we do not do something during this period?
“This is why we invite our supporters and well wishers to come in their large numbers and pay K7 000 at the door. We are also approaching corporate companies to support us by buying a table at K100 000 and bring their banners for free display at the function,” she said.
The Tigresses manager added that companies are free to choose and sponsor an item in the team’s 2016 budget which comprises funding for travel expenses, accommodation, food and paraphernalia.
Last season, Tigresses won the Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League (SRNL), Airtel Money Netball Championships and Presidential Championships.
They played a total of 40 games, lost twice to Blue Eagles Sisters in the GOtv Netball Champions League and twice to Kukoma Diamonds in the GOtv contest and Rainbow Paints League. n
