Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has increased Malawi Queens’ local and external daily allowances in a bid to motivate the players.
The association’s vice-president Lumbani Mtonyo said in an interview yesterday that the external daily allowance has been increased from $60 (about K105 060) to $100 (about K175 100) each while local training allowance has been doubled to K10 000 each.
She said the review has come about because of the K1 billion sponsorship from Nico Group, whose big chunk will go towards the Malawi National Netball Team.
“For the local allowances, the Queens have already started getting the revised amounts, but as for the external ones, it will be effective January next year when Nico Group gives us the funds for the whole year,” said Mtonyo.
She said the gesture is aimed at motivating the players to give their all for the cause of their motherland.
“We are, therefore, thankful to Nico Group for the sponsorship which will go a long way in improving the players’ welfare,” said Mtonyo.
Queens captain Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda yesterday confirmed about the local allowances’ hike, but said they were yet to be communicated on external travel allowances.
Nico Group head of marketing and customer experience Lorraine Mlenga said in an interview yesterday that they decided to sponsor netball in recognition of the fact that there was a big gap in funding the sport “yet it is the most successful national sport on the international scene”.
She said: “One of the challenges that NAM highlighted in our engagement was the issue of player allowances, particularly for international engagements.
“Our sponsorship has enabled NAM to make adjustments, including adjustments to player allowances, to ensure that the team remains motivated as they continue to put Malawi on the map.”
Malawi National Council of Sports chief executive officer Henry Kamata said: “As Sports Council, we are very grateful for this kind of sponsorship from Nico. It is a turning point in the promotion and development of netball in the country.
In a related development, the Queens were accommodated at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre for the final week of their camping ahead of their trip to South Africa for the Spar Test Series, courtesy of the hotel’s partnership with NAM.
Mtonyo said: “The camping was sponsored by Amaryllis, we njust paid a small amount of which K2 million was footed by Chibuku Products Limited. Otherwise, it could have been a huge amount and we appreciate both Amaryllis and Chibuku’s gestures.”
Amaryllis Hotel general manager Ramy Waheed said they are committed to supporting the development and achievements of local talent and national pride.
He said: “Partnering with the Netball Association of Malawi to accommodate the Queens was an opportunity for us to contribute to the success of a team that represents the spirit, dedication, and talent of our nation.
