By Bernard Mhone
Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) has handed over Rosedale Court to Mzuzu City Council (MCC) after completing renovations worth K40 million.
MNCS Chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise made the commitment to renovate the facility during the 21-kilometre Mzuzu Half Marathon in March.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, MNCS Sports Director Alufeyo Chipanga Banda said they want Mzuzu to have proper sports facilities that would help in the development of sports in the country.
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“There was congestion in the few courts that are in this city because there were many games that needed to be played. Rosedale used to be a good court but it was in a dilapidated state and was not suitable for many games.
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“The absence of proper sports facilities is a matter of big concern because it results in athletes ending up failing to showcase their respective talents. As Sports Council, it is one of our mandates to ensure that all sporting disciplines have good infrastructure for athletes develop their talent properly. All stakeholders should also join hands in ensuring that this facility is taken care of,” Chipanga said.
He advised MCC to take good care of the facility and ensure that it effectively contributes towards improving sports in the Northern Region, which has few sports venues.
MCC Director of Parks, Leisure and Environment Yotamu Mtafya asked other partners to help with other requirements at the court.
“This facility has no goal posts, dressing rooms, a fence, toilets, water and a guardroom. We need such requirements to make it user friendly. But we are very grateful to Sports Council for helping us in this manner. This was a neglected facility which ended up getting vandalised.
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“It is therefore very pleasing to see that it has been brought back to what it used to be. Sports Council has done its part and we are calling on other players to come in as well. What is most important is taking good care of the facility,” Mtafya said.
Netball Association of Malawi Technical Director Samuel Kanyenda, who is also Malawi National Netball Team interim coach, said they need such facilities to help develop players in the region.
“Scouting players in the Northern Region has been a big challenge because of lack of such facilities. Being a public facility, I believe anyone is free to use it at any time. This means there will be a lot of sports activities on it.
“What is good about it is that it is located in the midst of a community. Northern Region is the main catchment area of netball in the country and we are pleased that there is a court which will help in ensuring that there are many netball matches there. My only appeal is that they should broaden the sides of the court so that umpires have enough space to do their job,” Kanyenda said.
The court, which is in Mzilawaingwe Township near Mzuzu Stadium, is suitable for netball, volleyball, basketball and handball games.
