Unfulfilled pledge affects CR netball league

The Central Region Netball Committeee (CRNC) failed to run the league in the 2014 season because some businesspeople failed to fulfil funding pledges they made, a development which has affected standards of the sport in the region.

CRNC general secretary Fernando Ligola described 2014 as the worst year for netball in the region.

“We have had pledges amounting to K2 million (about $4 000) made by reputable people, but they pulled out at the 11th hour. The sad thing is that these people made us wait with hope only to make a U-turn at the last minute. It has been cruel for us,” said Ligola in a telephone interview from Ntcheu.

He said what was more disappointing was that the the withdrawal of the pledges was made when it was too late to knock on other doors.

But Ligola could not name any of the businesspersons who failed them.

Equally disappointed was Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Rosy Chinunda.

“We knew what was going on as we had communication from these people, but when we were told by CRNC of the withdrawals, we were really disappointed. They had given their word only to break it. It is a big concern,” said Chinunda.

She said it is only the Central Region which has no sponsored league.

Despite the disappointment, Ligoya said they will continue to knock on other doors for sponsorship.