One of the country’s oldest netball sides has been left frustrated and incapacitated after losing support from information and communication technology firm Imosys.
Imosys has stopped sponsoring the Rainbow Paints Blantyre and Districts Netball League team but the ICT Company did not specify reasons for its withdrawal of sponsorship.
Formerly known as MTL Queens and Thunder Queens, the side has rebranded to Giants Netball Club.
Imosys Managing Director Mayamiko Nkoloma confirmed the development but declined to give full details.
“We have done our part and it is the turn of others to assist. We already communicated to the team to change the name,” Nkoloma said.
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Imosys started sponsoring the side in 2021 after unveiling a K9 million annual package.
Last season, signs were visible that the partnership was hanging by a thread as the side struggled to raise a team and travel for a national tournament amid funding woes.
Imosys captain Dorcas Mbendera confirmed that the team has rebranded to Giants Netball Club due to the setback.
Mbendera said the team is sailing in troubled waters following the loss of sponsorship as players miss training and matches.
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“Things are not okay at our club. We are relying on well-wishers to help us with transport fare. We fail to train as a team as some players do not have money to pay for the fare. This affects our matches because we miss the services of key players. This is despite missing other incentives like game bonuses. We are also using an old uniform,” Mbendera said.
Mbendera said, if well supported, the team can compete for regional and national titles.
“We have been able to finish third against well-funded Blantyre and Districts Netball League teams. If we get sound support, I believe we cannot disappoint the sponsor,” she said.
The side is well-known for producing netball greats such as Mary Waya, Sylvia Malenga-Mtetemera and the late Emma Mzagada.
