As a sure-fire way of taking netball to another level, Malawi’s leading home-grown financial institution FDH Bank plc has invested K1.2 billion into the inaugural National Premier Netball League for four years, translating to an annual package of K300 million.
The newly established National Premier Netball League (NPNL), which will play host to 12 deserving teams and will be played in two rounds, is expected to throw off in June this year.
During the unveiling ceremony in Blantyre Thursday, the bank’s managing director Noel Mkulichi said the renewal of the netball partnership comes after being encouraged by Netball Association of Malawi’s (NAM) visionary leadership.
FDH Bank last signed a contract with netball in 2019 when they came up with a K360 million three-year sponsorship for Malawi Queens and a national netball cup, which was initially scheduled to roll out in 2020, but did not take place until the deal expired in 2022.
Said Mkulichi: “We are seeing a renewed sense of purpose at NAM, an administration that is not only committed to transparency and accountability, but is genuinely focused on building the team, developing grassroots talent and promoting netball both at home and internationally.
“Today, we are especially encouraged by the positive and visionary leadership under the capable hands of NAM president Vitumbiko Gubuduza. The renewed focus on transparency, accountability and promotion of the sport gives us renewed hope and renewed confidence.”
He said this is not a mere financial commitment as it marks a fresh chapter and a new beginning built on stronger foundation and clearer vision, and it is a vote of confidence.
“It is a belief in the team, in the leadership and in the promise of Malawian netball.
“FDH Bank Plc stands alongside an administration and a team that share our values of integrity, growth and national pride,” said Mkulichi.
in her remarks, NAM president Vitumbiko Gubuduza said: “We are overwhelmed with joy to see that FDH Bank has trust in us. We will do our best to jealously safeguard this partnership,” she said.
Ministry of Youth and Sports director of sports Jameson Ndalama and Malawi National Council of Sports chief executive officer Henry Kamata said they were happy that the bank continues to complement government’s effort of improving sports standards.
Outlining details of the national league, NAM vice-general secretary Charity Gondwe said 12 elite netball teams will play in the league, which will see the three bottom teams relegated and three regional champions promoted.
“National league teams are, therefore, encouraged to create reserve sides that should be playing in the regional leagues for the purpose of continuity and transitioning within their respective clubs,” she said.
Games will be played in a round-robin format in two rounds on home and away basis, meaning one leg in first round and the other leg in the second round.
Gondwe said a mid-season break will be observed between August and September.
Eight teams have pre-qualified for the national league based on their consistency in regional competitions.
The South will have Kukoma Diamonds and Tigresses, the East will contribute Prison Queens and Airforce Falcons and the Centre will usher in Blue Eagles and CivoNets while Ekwendeni Resource Queens and Karonga Queens will represent the North.
“The remaining four slots will be up for grabs through qualifying matches involving four teams each from South and Centre and two teams each from the North and the East,” Gondwe said.
Meanwhile, NAM has appointed a committee led by Malawi Queens legend Linda Magombo-Munthali to oversee the effective planning, coordination and execution of this league.
Tadala Billie is the committee’s general secretary while Daniel Chigowo Nyirenda and Tapiwa Namalomba are vice-general secretary and treasurer, respectively. Other members are Zikubwerera Washon, Ken Phiri, Mercy Nyirenda-Chikah, Faggie Mwalweni, Esther Nkhoma and Kossam Jongwe-Mphande.
“We will do our best to jealously safeguard this partnership.”
Vitumbiko Gubuduza
Netball Association of Malawi President
