Nico Group has redefined the landscape of domestic netball after injecting K1 billion sponsorship to cater for Malawi National Netball Team and Nico Top 12 Cup activities within three years.
The group announced the package at Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre Wednesday, underlining the dawn of a new era in netball since the new Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) executive took over the mantle.
Nico will release K320 million in the first year, followed by 2024
K330 million the following year.
In the last year, Nico will pump K350 million into the activities.
Through the partnership, Nico Group Managing Director Vizenge Kumwenda said they hoped to strengthen the foundations of netball in Malawi.
He also said they wanted to support the incredible journey of the Queens, so that they could continue making the country proud at the global stage.
“Netball is a sport that resonates deeply with the people of Malawi. Our Queens, currently ranked seventh in the world, have brought us countless moments of joy and pride. They embody the very essence of what it means to be resilient, hardworking and determined, qualities that are reflected in both Nico and the Malawian spirit.
“We are pleased to announce that Nico Group will be sponsoring the Malawi Queens for the next three years. This sponsorship will go directly towards the team, ensuring that it has access to the resources, training and facilities it needs to compete at the highest level,” Kumwenda said.
He said they had also decided to sponsor the Nico Top 12 Netball Cup, set to throw off next year, to help groom national team players.
“In addition to supporting the that the future of netball lies in its development at the grass roots level. As part of our broader commitment to the sport, we are excited to announce the Nico Top 12 Netball Cup, a national tournament designed to cultivate young talent,” he said. Queens, Nico recognises
On her part, Nam President Vitumbiko Mwandemange-Gubuduza said she was on cloud nine following the sponsorship provision news.
She said the funds would help them pursue their mandate of governing the game of netball in Malawi.
Mwandemange-Gubuduza also said one of the association’s primary responsibilities was that of managing the Queens.
“We must ensure that netball receives the respect and recognition it deserves. It is essential that women’s sports continue to be visible, supported, financed and celebrated.
“This is where Nico is coming in and, today, we cannot be more proud and grateful. Nico Group’s involvement marks the beginning of new things in netball, and the Queens in particular,” she said.
Malawi National Council of Sports Board Director of Planning, Marketing and Infrastructure Development Limbani Matola, who represented the board’s chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise, commended both Nico Group and Nam for the partnership.
“Nico Group has come in with big netball sponsorship and we are not surprised because we have been with the new Nam leadership throughout this journey,” Matola said.
Meanwhile, details have emerged that Nico Group will start releasing the Queens’ package this year, ahead of their Test Series against South Africa.
Nam Vice President Lumbani Mtonyo, General Secretary Yamikani Khunga-Kauma, Vice General Secretary Charity Gondwe and committee member Justice Katika were in attendance at the sponsorship unveiling ceremony.
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