By Llywellenie Mpasa:
Blantyre Sports Arena (BSA) was abuzz with excitement on Sunday evening as netball enthusiasts gathered to watch the Malawi Under-21 Netball National Team in their opening match of the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
Mukuru Money Transfer hosted the watch party, broadcasting the clash between the junior Queens and Trinidad and Tobago live on a giant screen, creating a vibrant fan zone.
Mukuru Malawi Marketing and Partner Lead, Taleetha Jussab, said the initiative was premised on linking fans with the team while also engaging customers to highlight the company’s services.
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“We, as the Under-21 main sponsor, wanted to connect with fans and let them cheer for the team as they played their first match. This was also an opportunity for our customers to engage with us and benefit from the services we provide,” she said.
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The Queens dominated, storming to an emphatic 65-29 win.
Jussab said the initiative was about uniting fans with the team despite the physical distance.
The event attracted prominent guests, including Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) President Vitumbiko Gubuduza and Vice President Tadala Billie.
Billie hailed Mukuru for leading the way and encouraged other companies to support netball development in Malawi.
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“We are grateful to Mukuru for organising this wonderful event that has allowed fans to feel part of the World Youth Cup journey,” she said.
The buzzing atmosphere at BSA proved that even from afar, Malawians can rally behind their team with pride and passion.
Local supporter Blessings Mphande from Zingwangwa said the big-screen experience made them feel like they were in Gibraltar.
“It was exciting to watch the girls play together with other fans around us. The cheers, the singing and the joy, whenever Malawi scored, made it feel like a stadium atmosphere. We were really part of the match,” she said.
Another fan, Matumbiko Nkhambule from Chigumula, said the initiative showed the importance of sponsors who value fans as much as players.
“Mukuru has done something special here. As a fan, you don’t just want to hear the results… you want to be part of the journey and that is exactly what this watch party gave us,” he said.
