In a significant boost to Malawian netball, NICO Group and the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) will launch the One NICO Top 12 National Netball Cup in Blantyre this Saturday at Blantyre Sports Arena (formerly Blantyre Youth Centre).
This exciting new tournament is part of a broader initiative to rebuild and strengthen the national team, the Queens.
NICO Group Corporate Affairs Manager, Mbumba Mlia-Ndasauka, said that the cup launch is part of a K1 billion, three-year sponsorship package unveiled by NICO Group last year, aimed at enhancing the development and performance of Malawi’s netball talents.
“The sponsorship will run from 2024 to 2027, with NICO committing K320 million in the first year, K330 million in the second year, and K350 million in the third year. The structure of the sponsorship package covers supporting of the Queens games including international engagements, the talent scouting and bringing in of club cup coded One NICO Top 12 Netball Cup, which will run from June to August,” said Mlia-Ndasauka.
“Through the tournament, we will also be able to reach Malawians on financial management. It is not just about the game, but empowering all Malawians, including the netballers, to understand money matters so they can make informed financial decision in their lives,” added Mlia-Ndasauka.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) shared optimism that the partnership and indeed the cup will spur healthy competition to identify new talent at club level.
“The NICO Top 12 National Netball Cup is designed to identify and nurture young talent, serving as a critical pathway for aspiring players to showcase their skills at club level. This initiative aims to strengthen the national team’s depth by creating a robust pipeline of talent,” said NAM President Vitumbiko Gubuduza
She hailed the sponsorship as a historic milestone, expressing gratitude for NICO Group’s unwavering support.
“Securing sponsorship during these challenging economic times is a big achievement,” she said, highlighting the importance of trust between sponsors and associations.
During the sponsorship handover last year, NICO’s Group Managing Director Vizenge Kumwenda, highlighted that the tournament is expected to provide a platform for girls and women to showcase their netball talents, promoting teamwork, discipline, and healthy lifestyles.
Kumwenda emphasized the company’s vision to restore netball to its ‘previous vibrant stage’ and inspire a new generation of athletes.
With the Malawi Queens ranked among the top teams in international netball, the partnership is anticipated to strengthen the growth of netball in Malawi.
The NICO Top 12 National Netball Cup promises to be an exciting and competitive tournament, showcasing the best of Malawian netball talent
