Netball teams still losing out revenue
At a time when local sports associations have been urged to commercialise to generate funds, netball continues to lose out as spectators watch games for free.
Since time in memorial, Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) and its affiliates have been failing to introduce gate charges, while attributing this to a lack of suitable facilities.
During competitions such as Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League, Airtel Money National Netball and most recently, GOtv Netball Champions League, there were many spectators watching the games for free.
Multichoice Malawi marketing manager, Chimwemwe Nyirenda, whose company is sponsoring the GOtv league, speaking to Times TV, said time was high for Nam and its affiliates to consider introducing gate charges.
“This is an idea we discussed with Nam two years ago. What they need now is to introduce a small fee so that people should embrace the culture. Depending on the response and time, Nam can start increasing the gate fee. This money can help the teams and Nam itself,” he said.
Nyirenda said Nam and its affiliates can improvise some infrastructure to implement the gate charges.
Nam general secretary, Carol Bapu, speaking also to Times TV, said plans were underway to introduce the fees.
“We have discussed this at the top level, and it is the dream of most associations to fundraise. However, we need to set up proper structures and rules to govern the initiative so that it should not be abused,” she said.
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