NAM hopeful on Airtel sponsorship renewal
Financially struggling Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has expressed optimism that Airtel Malawi will renew the three year sponsorship deal worth K360 million which is set to expire this month.
NAM chairperson Rosy Chinunda said though discussions for a new deal had not started, she was hopeful of contract renewal as they have achieved most of the expected targets.
“Firstly, through the Airtel Money tournament we have identified a lot of young players who have been integrated in the junior national team. Secondly, the funding helped us to participate in various international competitions,” she said.
NAM has already blown the K32 million it was allocated in the 2016/17 National Budget. It is currently hunting for K33 million to compete at the Fast5 world championship in Australia next month.
Chinunda said apart from looking up to Airtel funding, they have also written other companies for financial support.
“They have always supported us even before the sponsorship package. So yes, they are part of the corporate world we expect something from,” she said.
Meanwhile, the mobile network service provider has said it will soon make an announcement on the future of the sponsorship.
The two sides signed the pact in 2014 with part of the funds injected in the Malawi national netball team’s operations and the Airtel Money Netball Championship—an annual tournament competed for by teams from across the country.
Airtel Malawi brands and communications manager Isabel Kachinjika said they are still reviewing the sponsorship deal while promising to map the way forward.
“Since the contract is ending this month, we also expect to announce what will happen next,” she said but could not be drawn to disclose if there is still money for the association
