TNM, NBM splash K12m towards Zone VI

Press Corporation Limited (PCL) subsidiaries TNM and National Bank of Malawi (NBM) on Friday donated a total of K12 million (about $72 000) to Golf Union of Malawi (GUoM) towards the hosting of the 2012 Zone VI International Golf Tournament this month.

 

TNM splashed out K7 million (about $42 000) while NBM donated K 5 million (about $30 000) towards the cause.

GUoM said it now has a shortfall of K4 million (about $24 000) from its K24 million (about $143 000) initial budget to host the regional golf showcase expected to be staged from April 16 to April 19.

Carlsberg Malawi is also expected to make another donation in due course, after failing to do so on Friday due to other engagements.

PCL chairperson Professor Matthews Chikaonda said the companies felt obliged to come and support the cause since it is an international event.

“It is not only the airline that is a flag carrier, but ambassadors like the national golf team are also one. We need more of them and that is why we are here showing our commitment and patriotism in supporting the GUoM to host a successful tournament.

“We urge the team to put a good show and raise the country’s aspirations. Malawi is a smiling nation and we want to continue smiling by winning this tournament.

“We are happy to be part of this event which is so special . So, go there and apply yourself with the optimism of God given potential,” said Chikaonda.

GUoM president James Chimwaza thanked the companies for showing patriotism and said the host team and the organising committee will repay with excellent performances.

“If I was not standing here making this thank you speech to the two companies, then I would be somewhere drafting a speech announcing our failure to host the tournament.

“TNM, NBM and Carlsberg have shown that they are true Malawian companies and the team need such support to excel. We promise to do well and winning the event is what is needed for the country as it will provide a needed refresher

“I would also like to commend the chairperson of organising committee Andrew Baron and his team for a job well done in putting everything in place and due to their hard work we are on track to hosting a successful event,” he said.

Baron said all is set for the big event and they are now doing final touches.

“We are expecting 14 countries, 112 players, 14 managers and 14 coaches. They will arrive in the country on April 15. [The following day] April 16, there will be the official practice round and flag rising followed by the singles’ matches the following day.

“On April 18 there will be foursome and 4 balls and the following day we will have singles’ matches followed by flag lowering and prize giving ceremony and teams will leave on 20 April,” said Chimwaza.

The 14 participating countries include South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Mauritius, Madagascar, Reunion and hosts Malawi.

Malawi last hosted the tournament in 2003 and will next host it in 2026.