By Burnett Munthali
In a major boost to Malawian netball, NICO Group has unveiled a K1 billion, three-year sponsorship package for the Malawi Queens and the NICO Top-12 National Netball Cup. The sponsorship will run from 2024 to 2027, with a focus on enhancing the development and performance of the country’s netball talents.
The sponsorship will also include the launch of a new kit for the Malawi Queens, which will be locally designed and produced, adding a unique identity to the team. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Blantyre, where NICO Group’s Managing Director, Vizenge Kumwenda, outlined the breakdown of the financial support.
Kumwenda stated that NICO will invest K320 million in the first year, K330 million in the second year, and K350 million in the third year, underscoring the company’s commitment to promoting netball in Malawi.
“We are confident that this initiative will provide a platform for girls and women to showcase their netball talents. This sponsorship aims to strengthen the netball foundation and support the incredible journey of the Malawi Queens. As they continue to make us proud, there is no reason for them to lack resources or experience poor development stages,” said Kumwenda.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) President Vitumbiko Gubuduza and Malawi National Council of Sports’ Director of Marketing, Planning, and Infrastructure Development, Limbani Matola, hailed the sponsorship as a significant step forward for netball development in Malawi. Both expressed gratitude for NICO Group’s unwavering support and stressed how the funding will help foster talent at all levels of the sport.
The Malawi Queens, ranked among the top teams in international netball, are expected to benefit immensely from the sponsorship, enabling them to enhance their performance on the global stage. This partnership with NICO Group is anticipated to strengthen the growth of netball in Malawi, ensuring that more resources are allocated to nurturing future talent across the country.
