Government promises schools netball
Director of Sports in the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development, Jameson Ndalama, has made a promise which, in as far as netball development is concerned, looks good on paper.
Ndalama has promised that the government will soon introduce a schools’ national netball competition. But whether that will become a reality is another issue.
Ndalama spoke about the netball competition in Zomba on the sidelines of Copa Coca-Cola Schools Football Tournament launch.
He said the government was concerned with lack of a national netball league in schools as is the case with football, which enjoys sponsorship from Castel Malawi Limited.
“[The] government has many ways of promoting girls’ participation in sports. Even our policy encourages women to take part in sports administration. [The] government will soon launch a national netball competition which will be run like the Copa Coca-Cola tournament,” Ndalama said.
He was not specific on the source of funding and when the competition will be launched.
Such lack of clarity means that such a promise has to be welcomed with caution.
Malawi Schools Sports Association President, Harris Kachale, said they appreciate the need for a national netball league.
“Last year, during the Copa Coca-Cola finals, we also had netball finals. This was our own initiative. We used part of the sponsorship [from Castel Malawi Limited],” Kachale said.
Castel Senior Brands Manager (non-alcoholic beverages), Titha Mbilizi, whose company has been sponsoring the football competition for 50 years, said, next year, they will look at the possibility of sponsoring other sport disciplines such as netball.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
