Mwawi secures deal as Puma brand ambassador

Revered Australia-based netball star Mwawi Kumwenda has sealed a two-year ambassadorial deal with Puma.

Her deal was sealed on the same day the giant German sportswear manufacturer also concluded an endorsement deal with Brazilian football superstar and the world’s most expensive player Neymar who turns out for Paris Saint Germain.

In an interview from her Australia base on Sunday, the Malawi Queens goal shooter could not hide her excitement.

She said: “This is a dream come true. I have signed a two-year deal with Puma and I am very excited.

“I am happy with the deal and very excited to work with Puma which is a big sports institution across the globe and dressing up in Puma attire feels really great.

“Puma brand has been working with superstars such as Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Neymar and Usain Bolt and it is flattering to be among such greats.”

However, the gangly netballer could not  disclose how much she stands to earn from the deal.

Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Khungekile Matiya said the deal underlines Mwawi’s status as a world-class athlete.

She said: “As a country, we need to be proud that our very own has been offered a deal by a reputable sportswear company like Puma which only deals with the best.

“Congratulations to her and we are proud of her.”

In 2018, Kumwenda also landed a sponsorship deal with Australian Nissan motor vehicle franchise dealers Berwick Nissan.

A statement from Nissan Berwick at the time stated that they had been swayed by Mwawi’s exploits both at club and international levels.

On the local scene, the former Netball World Cup best netballer also signed an ambassadorial deal with Airtel Malawi a few years ago.

South Africa-based footballer Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango also clinched a one-year deal with sportswear manufacturer Nike last year, effectively becoming the first local footballer in modern era to be signed by one of the world’s most valuable apparel brands. n