Volleyball World Cup qualifiers deferred to July

The World Cup volleyball qualifiers for Africa Sub A Zone have been shifted from May to July, according to Volleyball Association of Malawi (VAM) president Jappie Mhango.

The games were initially scheduled to start on May 14 and finish on May 18, but they will now run from July 21 to 27.

In an interview on Tuesday, Mhango said the change has been necessitated by lack of funding.

“Government notified us that there is no money for the games as of now. The money will be available in July, hence the change,” said Mhango.

He has since informed participating teams of the change.

The event has already received support from the corporate world with companies such as retail chain stores Santa Plaza, Seven Eleven and Riverside Hotels contributing towards the success of the event.

Santa Plaza bought uniforms for both the women and men volleyball teams worth K1 million (about $2 380). Seven Eleven has promised to provide bottled water for the duration of the tournament while Riverside pledged to host delegates from all the countries to take part in the competition, a gesture which could see VAM save K6 million (about $143 000).

Mhango said the pledges still stand.

“We have communicated to all stakeholders about the change and they understand. There was nothing we could do. We appeal to more companies to come in and assist in funding VAM towards preparations of the event,” said Mhango.

He also said they are focusing on running the regional leagues to keep the players fit.