Queens players get K4.2 million Covid-19 relief
Malawi national netball team players have been handed a lifeline after FDH Bank rolled out a four-month care package for them.
The development comes as a relief to the players who have been affected with the period of inactivity emanating from the suspension of sports activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following the arrangement, FDH Bank, through its K360 million sponsorship to Netball Association of Malawi (Nam), will for the next four months disburse K35,000 (national minimum wage) a month directly into the accounts of 30 Queens players.
FDH Bank Marketing Manager, Ronald Chimchere, said this was an intervention to address challenges brought by the pandemic.
“This is a relief package to cater for their essential needs during this period as players are being forced to stay at home because of Covid-19. FDH Bank is a fully fledged partner of Nam and the Queens and understands the needs of the players.
“The pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges to the netball fraternity and FDH Bank is duty-bound to support this intervention that will contribute in addressing the needs of the players during this crisis,” Chimchere said.
The bank and Nam signed a partnership agreement last year to meet some of the Queens’ needs, facilitate a national netball league and cater for administrative needs at the national netball governing body.
Nam president Khungekile Matiya hailed the bank for the gesture, saying Queens players need support as they are out of action due to measures put in place worldwide to control the spread of coronavirus.
“Suspension of sports has directly affected our players who earn a living out of playing netball at national level. The players can no longer benefit financially from the game as they used to. Through the sponsorship that we get from the Queens’ official sponsor FDH Bank, we have set aside some funds for the players for the next four months as one way of mitigating the financial stress that our players are likely to face during this period,” Matiya said.
She said Nam appreciates the players’ great contribution towards putting Malawi on the map through netball.
“We would like to support the girls, especially now that most avenues for opportunities have come to a standstill. Nam extends its gratitude to management of FDH Bank for this consideration,” Matiya said.
Queens captain Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira thanked FDH Bank for coming to the players’ rescue, saying they were sailing through difficult times due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We don’t take this gesture for granted. We are very grateful and appreciative for the support. May the good Lord continue to bless the entire staff of FDH Bank,” Mtukule-Ngwira said.
FDH Bank is also in a partnership with Football Association of Malawi through various avenues that benefit the game.
