By Vinjeru Ngwira
Nico Group has increased its sponsorship of the One Nico Top 12 National Netball Cup from K60 million to K75 million for the competition’s second season, reaffirming its commitment to promoting and developing netball in Malawi.
The tournament was officially launched at Blantyre Sports Arena, where Nico Group Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, Taweni Gondwe Xaba, expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the company partnered with the competition.
Xaba said the tournament was playing a significant role in nurturing young female talent and providing aspiring netballers with a platform to pursue professional careers.
She noted that netball had the potential to transform the lives of young women by creating opportunities both locally and internationally, adding that continued investment in the sport could enable Malawian players to attract better contracts and compete beyond the country’s borders.
According to Xaba, the increase in financial support from K60 million to K75 million reflects the company’s determination to contribute to the growth of the game while supporting the Netball Association of Malawi’s (NAM) efforts to rebuild and strengthen the sport.
NAM president Vitumbiko Gubuduza commended Nico Group for maintaining its support, describing the partnership as a valuable contribution to the development of netball across the country.
Gubuduza said the sponsorship had delivered benefits beyond the competition itself, helping to support broader initiatives designed to improve the administration and overall standards of the game. She specifically cited umpire training as one of the areas benefiting from the partnership, noting that it was in line with NAM’s rebuilding strategy.
Blantyre City Mayor Councillor Isaac Jomo Osman, who attended the launch as guest of honour, also praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of partnerships between the corporate sector and sports organisations in advancing sports development in Malawi.