Malawi Queens back from Scotland
Airtel Malawi Limited yesterday welcomed the Queens in a true Malawian tradition, awarding K200 000 (US$485) to each member for retaining position five at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Upon arrival through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe, the Queens got VIP treatment from Minister of Sports Grace Chiumia.
The minister also gave each player a bouquet of followers courtesy of Airtel Malawi.
Airtel had hired an open shuttle complete with a convoy of nine vehicles, which drove a 20-kilometre stretch to Sunbird Capital where the players were treated to a luncheon.
Airtel Malawi chief commercial officer Charles Kamoto said the Queens deserved VIP treatment following their exploits in Scotland.
“We are here to inspire you to rule your destiny. Despite not breaking into the top four, you managed to maintain the fifth position. At the sametime, you also became number one in Africa, which is a feat on its own and you need to be rewarded,” said Kamoto.
Airtel sponsors the Queens to the tune of K360 million (US$873 786).
“I have a personal message from the President. He (Mutharika) is proud of your exploits on the international stage. He said he will support your programmes to inspire you to achieve more,” said Chiumia.
She said netball is the sport which the country needs to invest in seriously because it has proved to be a reliable source of national pride as it continues to lift the flag higher.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Rosy Chinunda said her organisation is overwhelmed by the support from government and Airtel.
Queens captain Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira thanked Airtel for the welcome and inspiration.
“We are appreciative and we promise to work hard so that we can repay this generosity. It’s tough out there, but we will overcome one day,” she said.
