Rainbow League starts with advice
The 2023 edition of the Rainbow Paints Blantyre and Districts Netball League BDNL threw off in style with netballers being advised to find alternative income to help them after retirement.
Justice Rachel Sophie Sikwese, who was the guest of honour during the official start of the league at Blantyre Youth Centre, said finding alternative means of income would help the players not to struggle after their retirement.
“Netball like most sports, requires physical stamina. To compete in sports one must be physically and mentally fit. Nature takes charge at some point where the body cannot deliver at competitive sport.
“Because this comes earlier in sports it is necessary to prepare for the inevitable by ensuring that the netballer is able to sustain herself and her family after retiring from netball,” she said.
Sikwese has promised to buy a fully equipped first aid for the league.
“I was totally puzzled to witness and hear about most basic requirement in competitive sports. I have encouraged the League to engage Red Cross to make available an official at every match.
“They should also provide first aid training to some of the League officials. In turn, I will purchase a sports first aid kit,” she said.
Rainbow Paints Technical Sales and Marketing Executive Wezi Chirwa said they are expecting another successful competitive and exciting season.
“We chose to support netball because we found that, as a sport, it was lacking representation even with all the potential our local players have. That is why we signed an agreement with BDNL that has lasted over a decade now.
The sponsorship remains at K12 million since we increased it just last year,” she said.
The league’s chairperson Vitumbiko Mwandemange- Gubuduza thanked Rainbow Paints for sponsoring the league for 13 years and BDNC members for safeguarding the sponsorship.
“The best netball talent is seen from this league, and all international players have come through the vibrant Rainbow Paints League. This is a huge contribution to clubs and netball in Malawi. I thank all the clubs and players for participating in the league despite financial hardships,” she said.
During the launch, Imosys Netball Club beat Prison Queens 58-43 whereas Tremors defeated Chilomon Sisters 56-36.
In other matches, Airforce Sisters overpowered Machinjiri Sisters 46-25 while Chileka Sisters beat rivals Gerald Tasaukadala Sisters 38-30. Shizaella Queens beat Mubas Sisters 28-25.
