Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) executive committee has stepped down following concerns its affiliates raised in a petition submitted last month.
In their petition, the affiliates, among others, point at the committee’s failure to fulfil promises made ahead of the 2021 NAM elections.
In a letter dated May 30 2024, signed by the entire executive committee, addressed to Malawi National Council of Sports, which we have seen, the NAM leadership says having critically examined the concerns “and acting in good faith for the sake of netball, the ex-co decided to step down from office with immediate effect”.
Reads the letter in part: “This will allow for a new team to step in and manage the game.
“In order to manage the smooth transition, we pledge our commitment and availability to assist in any issues that may require our attention.
“We wish all the best for the game of netball.”
NAM president Abigail Shariff and general secretary Isaac Chimwala could not be reached for comment yesterday, but in an interview, Sports Council chief executive officer Henry Kamata confirmed receipt of the letter.
He said: “As Malawi National Council of Sports, we have received the letter. Our mandate is to regulate all forms of sport in the country, and accordingly, we will ensure that the transition is managed in a manner that does not disrupt the activities of netball in the country.
“NAM had earlier communicated of an AGM [annual general meeting], where they were expected to table and address issues that were raised by their affiliates; regional, district and technical committees, and we think they will also handle the issue of a new team to lead the netball family.”
Kamata also said the council will provide the necessary financial and technical support if called upon “because netball is a sport brand that all Malawians are proud of”.
Among others, the petition from affiliates accused NAM of failing to secure additional sponsorships, lack of transparency and accountability and setting up developmental structures.
The NAM ex-co was also accused of failing to improve standards of the game as promised during the pre-election campaign.
