Blantyre District Netball League Committee and GM Plastics Limited have all hailed their partnership for the Player of the Week award being awarded to outstanding players in Rainbow Paint Netball League.
Blantyre District Netball Association in July unveiled the sponsorship worthy MK1 Million from GM Plastics Industry Limited which would see the company pumping MK50,000 to Rainbow Paints Player of the Week as well as products.
GM Plastics Marketer Victor Emment said the partnership has helped in the visibility of the company and brand recognition. He added that the company is considering engaging other businesses or organizations that are involved in sporting activities.
“The partnership has helped in aligning our brand with a popular local sports league, it has boosted visibility and brand recognition within the country. As fans and participants engage with the award, they are also exposed to our company’s name and reputation.
“Secondly, sponsoring the Player of the Week award has likely generated positive publicity and goodwill for our company. Supporting local sports not only showcases a commitment to the country but also establishes a positive association with qualities such as teamwork, dedication, and excellence – attributes that can reflect positively on our brand image,” he said.
Anne Hanjahanja, General Secretary for Blantyre District Netball Committee said the sponsorship has been a huge motivation for the players and it has helped in raising the standards of netball.
“It [the partnership] has improved [the standards of netball] a lot. Every player is now working harder than before in order to get the award thereby improving our league,” she said.
Hanjahanja said there are chances that the deal could be extended beyond the current contract but no talks have started yet about extension.
“Not yet [about contract extension], but they [GM Plastics] said up end of league. Hopeful. Recently they have increased number of dishes from 5 to 8. More players are benefitting hence the stiff competition,” she added.
Since the start of the partnership, five players have won the award, receiving a whopping MK250, 000 in total. First Choice Tigresses’ trio of Awema Chikaonda, Tendai Masamba, Esther Phiri of Giants NC and Palichi Mzumala of CHILEKa Sisters are the ones who have won the award so far.
