BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) has announced plans to construct an indoor netball court at the Blantyre Sports Arena, formerly known as the Blantyre Youth Centre.
This development aims to support the Netball Association of Malawi’s (NAM) commercialization drive.
During the launch of the One NICO Top 12 Netball Cup at the Arena, Limbani Matola, MNCS’s marketing, planning, and infrastructure development director, revealed that discussions are underway with corporate partners to make this project a reality.
“We will have an indoor netball court in Blantyre,” Matola assured.
The indoor facility is expected to facilitate NAM’s plan to introduce gate charges at netball matches, a move that will boost the sport’s commercialization.
Nico Holdings Limited, which has pledged K1 billion in netball sponsorship over three years, is supporting the tournament.
The company’s corporate affairs manager, Mbumba Mlia Ndasauka, expressed hope that the tournament will inspire young girls and nurture netball talents in Malawi.
The sponsorship deal includes an annual allocation of K320 million in the first season, K330 million in the second season, and K350 million in the third season.
NAM president Vitumbiko Gubuduza highlighted the significance of the tournament in creating a platform for netball commercialization in Malawi.
The One NICO Top 12 Netball Cup kicked off with a thrilling match between Kukoma Diamonds and Blue Eagles Sisters, which ended in a 25-25 draw.
The Blantyre Sports Arena, with its rich history dating back to 1966, already boasts indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, including netball courts.
The proposed indoor netball court will undoubtedly enhance the sporting infrastructure in Blantyre and contribute to the growth of netball in Malawi.
This development is a welcome move for netball enthusiasts and athletes in Malawi, and it will be interesting to see how the sport evolves with the new infrastructure and increased commercialization efforts.
