FDH Bank plc Wednesday unveiled a K1.2 billion four-year sponsorship package for the country’s Premier Netball League.
The bank’s managing director Noel Mkulichi announced the sponsorship package at the bank’s head offices in Blantyre Wednesday.
Mkulichi said the sponsorship package was aimed at contributing to the growth of netball in the country.
“Sports is a powerful platform for hope for many Malawians. Over the years, we, as FDH Bank, have invested a lot in football by sponsoring the national team, the FDH Bank Cup as well as the Mayors’ Trophy. We believe the netball sponsorship will also have a positive impact [on the country],” Mkulichi said.
Mkulichi said the bank had trust in the current Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) leadership.
“We are encouraged to invest more resources in netball as Nam has demonstrated visionary leadership,” he said.
Vitumbiko Gubuduza
Nam President Vitumbiko Gubuduza said the FDH Bank sponsorship was a testament to the bank’s dedication to the sporting community and their commitment to developing netball.
“Through this sponsorship, the biggest teams in Malawi will be playing each other and we look forward to a competitive season of netball,” Gubuduza said.
She said the league would increase the visibility of the sport by raising the profile of netball and attracting more fans to the sport.
“It [the sponsorship package] will provide a platform for players to competitively play against teams of similar strengths, driving teams to improve their skills and strategies. It will also provide a platform for talented players to showcase their skills, potentially leading to national team selection,” she said.
She pledged that Nam would safeguard the sponsorship by being accountable and transparent.
The FDH Premier Netball League will feature 12 top netball teams in the country.
The Southern Region and Central Region will be represented by four teams each whereas two teams each will represent the Northern and Eastern regions.
Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Jameson Ndalama said the league would provide a platform for national teams’ coaches to identify talent.
“We are excited with FDH Bank’s investment in netball. We believe this will help to revive netball in the country,” Ndalama said.
Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) Chief Executive Officer Henry Kamata also hailed the bank for the sponsorship. Through the sponsorship, the bank will provide subventions to the 12 teams that will be participating in the league.
