Sports Minister begs Mpico to construct netball courts
Minister of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Francis Kasaila has asked Mpico Limited to construct two netball courts in the country.
The minister made the request on Mother’s Day in Lilongwe during the finals of Central Region Gateway Netball Challenge Cup.
Mpico is sponsoring the trophy to the tune of K35 million per year.
Kasaila’s request came after Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Khungekile Matiya, in her speech, asked the sponsors to increase sponsorship for the competition.
“As government, we are grateful for Mpico’s effort in helping the sport. We would love if you can adjust the sponsorship to K50 million for the next challenge.
“You are our good partners in business and you should also consider to construct at least two standard netball courts so that our girls can play your tournament on decent courts.
“If there is need on how we [government] can assist in your business, we can discuss because we are able to see the results of your profits which you are giving back to the community through this sponsorship,” the minister said.
Reacting to the request, Mpico marketing manager Ellen Chapinduka Nyasulu said the property management and investment firm is a listening entity.
“Let me assure you that I will take the request to the high level and I will bring back the feedback in due course,” said Nyasulu.
Blue Eagles Sisters retained the championship honours after beating CivoNets 44-36 to cart home K3 million.
CivoNets received K1.5 million as runners-up.
Mafco finished third after beating Green Sisters Senior 30-16 and received K1.2 million while the latter got K1 million on fourth position.
Lioness, Boma Stars, Green Sisters Junior and Luanar Queens, finished on positions five, six, seven and eight, and went away with K900 000, K800 000, K700 000 and K600 000 respectively.
In individual awards, Blue Eagles player Molly Chisambiro was voted Player of the Tournament and went home with K130 000.
Lioness shooter, Misozi Gondwe was Best Shooter while CivoNets defender Correta Mwalilino and Lydia Kadauma of Mafco were voted as Best defender and Best Centre respectively.
Both received K70 000 each together with Charity Mikundi who was outstanding umpire of the tournament.
