LEGGINGS STIR STORM IN NETBALL

Local netball players have been warned that wearing of leggings is unacceptable at international matches, but suggestions to ban the attire from the local scene have stirred debate among players, coaches, umpires and fans.

Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Rosy Chinunda admitted yesterday that International Netball Federation (IFN) rules do not allow players to wear tights that go down beyond their uniform.

Chinunda, however, said they do not enforce the tenet because it clashes with Malawi’s tradition that prohibits women from exposing their thighs in public.

She said, according to the INF rules, leggings are illegal because they cause discomfort and injury risks to the players. She said leggings also get in the way of the elegance of players’ kits at matches.

“But our hands are tied on whether to implement the ban on the gear because this law comes in direct conflict with our culture as Malawians.

“As you know, it is against our tradition for women to expose sensitive parts of their bodies in public,” said Chinunda.

She, however, said they would soon hold a meeting with clubs to stress adherence to the international rules.

Debate on what to wear when playing netball was ignited last weekend when Airtel Malawi marketing manager Masiye Mazaza advised the netballers not to wear the leggings because they undermine the elegance of the uniforms.

Mazaza made the observation last Friday after presenting new kits to the 16 Airtel Money Netball Championships national finalists.

But the observation had little impact as some players were still spotted in long tights during the three-day event at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC).

Blue Eagles Sisters coach, Sam Kanyenda, said wearing of leggings on the local netball scene came into fashion in 2009 when organisers of the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Sports at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre advised netball teams to add long attire to their uniforms to dignify the event in the presence of former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika.

While some feel NAM should abide by international rules, others believe it would make sense to let the country’s culture flourish.

Kanyenda concurred with Complex Tigresses player Beatrice Mpinganjira that leggings should be banned to be in line with international standards.

“We do not need to disobey the rules for the sake of tradition,” said Mpinganjira.

Mpinganjira, who frequently plays for Malawi Queens said the only thing Malawi can do to keep its tradition locally is to make the kits longer, “but not below the knees”.

Netball fan, Christopher Nyirongo, said tights should no longer be spotted in the netball court because they undermine thrills of the game.

“You can agree with me that it is short uniforms that add flavour to the excitement of the game,” said Nyirongo.

But netball umpire Rebecca Dulanya believes tradition should be left to shine over so-called international netball standards.

“Playing netball with your underwear exposed is no different from walking naked in public. Therefore, my stand is that leggings should stay. Or there should be made slightly shorter to be traditionally acceptable,” said Dulanya.

Another netball lover, Victoria Mpherembe, seemed caught between a rock and a hard place.

“My view is two-fold. Indeed, leggings are not good for a sport such as netball, but at the same time, it is a taboo for women to expose our sensitive parts of the body in public,” said Mpherembe.

A netball technical expert, who preferred anonymity, said another disadvantage with leggings is that the material with which they are made is not conducive to sports for both the one who wears them and the opponents.