Netball returns, annual general meeting set for May 29

Netballers have been given the green light to resume training in readiness for the start of the 2021 netball season.

In a statement released Thursday, Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) announced that Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) had given them the go-ahead to resume action.

“Nam has been granted permission to resume training in readiness for the start of the 2021 netball season on condition that government’s Covid preventive measures are adhered to, guidelines which include no assembling of more than 50 people.

“You are therefore requested to communicate the same to teams in your region so that they start training in readiness for the start of the season,” reads part of the statement signed by Nam Vice General Secretary Brian Gausi.

In a separate interview, Gausi said all players and officials would be required to undergo a Coronavirus test in line with the netball restart proposal.

“In addition, there will be no hugging or shaking of hands among players and officials before, during and after the matches. Teams will also not be allowed to exchange training kits,” he said.

Gausi said the association would impose sanctions for non-compliance.

He said the country’s netball governing body is also encouraging all players to go for Covid vaccination.

However, Sports Council acting Executive Secretary Henry Mereka asked for more time before he could comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, Nam has announced that its elective annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on May 29 at Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Hotel in Salima District.

Top of the agenda will be the election of new Nam office bearers and the appointment of auditors.

However, there are still issues that need to be ironed out ahead of the polls as the constitution bars some of the current executive members from seeking re-election.

The members will not be eligible to stand because Article 24.3 of the Nam constitution states that a person can serve a maximum of two terms of four years each.

“Elected committee members shall be elected in accordance with this constitution of a term of four years, and not more than two consecutive terms which shall commence from the conclusion of an AGM at which election occurred until the conclusion of the AGM in the fourth year where elections are held,” reads part of the Nam constitution.

As it stands, general secretary Carol Bapu, vice president Chimwemwe Kachingwe and Gausi himself will be ineligible to seek re-election for their respective positions having served for two terms.

But the trio is eligible to contest for other positions including the Nam presidency as the constitution is silent on the matter.