TNM pumps K3.5m towards Squash Malawi Open tourney

TNM has pumped K3.55 million (about $10 000) towards the 2014 Squash Malawi Open tournament which will run from October 31 to November 2 in Lilongwe.

“Our partnership with Squash Malawi started last year, it’s a sport that we believe can provide the platform for many of our young men and women to play on the international stage.“font-family: ‘Georgia’,’serif’;”>Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony held in Blantyre on Wednesday, TNM acting chief commercial officer Sobhuza Ngwenya said the support is aimed at developing the game in the country.

“As a local brand, we are committed to contributing towards the development of different sports disciplines in the country and as such, we felt it is important to support the tournament which has been set to act as a platform for professional tournaments that are to be held in Kenya,” said Ngwenya.

He expressed optimism that through the sponsorship, the tournament will be able to attract established international players and in turn, this will help local players to gain exposure and add value to their talents.

Squash Malawi vice-president Golden Benbow said the sponsorship will help attract international players’ participation.

“And you need to dangle a $1 000 (about K435 000) prize money to attract international players’ participation and TNM’s sponsorship will allow us to have attractive prizes” said Benbow.

He thanked the premier mobile phone service provider for the sponsorship and gave an assurance that it will be used wisely.

Benbow also said the local players who have the potential to be among the winners are Aubrey and Julius Taulo, and James Matewere.

“I think realistically, Aubrey and James can compete for the top prizes,” he said.