Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) has handed the Malawi National Netball Team a boost after doubling the team’s allowances following the support of their sponsors, Nico Group.
Queens domestic allowance has been increased to K10,000 per day from K5,000 with immediate effect whereas the external travel allowance has been increased to $100 (about K 173,265) per day from $50 (K86,632) but effective January 2025.
Nam Vice President Lumbani Mtonyo confirmed the adjustments saying they wanted to motivate the Queens hence using their partnership with Nico Group to revise Queens’ allowances.
“When we took over managing netball we realised that Malawi Queens’ allowances were on the lower side. Therefore, the coming in of Nico Group as our sponsors has inspired us to revise the allowances. For the local camping the adjustment is with immediate effect but the external allowances will come into effect in January next year,” Mtonyo said.
Recently, Nam and Nico Group signed a three-year sponsorship deal valued at K1 billion with the company committing K320 million in the first year and then K330 million in the second year. In the final year Nico will pump in K350 million.
The package caters for the Queens and One Nico Top 12 Cup.
Commenting on the hike of allowances, Nico Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Lorraine Mlenga said they wanted Nam to rebuild the sport and the Queens.
“As you know we committed a K1 billion three-year sponsorship package to Netball Association of Malawi for Malawi Queens and the establishment of the One Nico Top 12 National Cup.
“We made the decision to sponsor netball in recognition of the fact that there was a big gap in funding the sport yet it is the most successful national sport on the international scene,” she said.
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Mlenga said they were aware of the adjustments which Nam has effected.
“One of the challenges that the Netball Association highlighted in our engagements with them was the issue of player allowances, particularly for international engagements. Our sponsorship has enabled Nam to make adjustments, including adjustments to player allowances, to ensure that the team remains motivated as they continue to put Malawi on the map,” Mlenga said.
Meanwhile, the Queens arrived in South Africa Monday for the Spar Challenge International Netball Test Series, slated for Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, at Ellis Park Arena, in Johannesburg.
Speaking before departure, Queens coach Joanna Kachilika said the team was confident for the series.
“We have prepared thoroughly and I believe the team has made significant improvements in all areas we have been working on,” she said.
Nam General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa- Kauma confirmed that all preparations have been finalised, with the association coordinating the logistics to ensure the team’s smooth participation.
“The team is fully prepared and we are ready for the competition. All necessary arrangements have been made to support the Queens as they represent Malawi,” Khungwa-Kauma said.
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