By Rahim Abdul
President Vitumbiko Gubuduza has urged the government to introduce tax relief measures for companies that sponsor various sports disciplines, including netball.
Gubuduza made the appeal amid growing concern over the lack of sponsorship affecting teams in the country’s top-flight netball league.
According to the NAM president, six out of the twelve teams participating in the FDH Premier Netball League currently have no sponsors, a situation he described as worrying for the growth of the sport.
He emphasized that corporate support is crucial in sustaining teams and improving competitiveness within the league.
Among the teams that have secured sponsorship are Blue Eagles, Kukoma Diamonds, CivoNets, Prison Queens, Mafco Soldiers and Airforce Falcons.
On the other hand, teams such as Vanessa Sisters, Tigresses, Ekwendeni Resource, Karonga Queens, Pacers and Lioness are operating without financial backing.
Gubuduza noted that offering tax incentives to sponsoring companies would encourage more businesses to invest in sports development across Malawi.
He further stressed that such a policy would not only benefit netball but also uplift other sporting disciplines facing similar financial challenges.
Responding to the proposal, the Ministry of Sports’ Principal Secretary, Jameson Ndalama, welcomed the suggestion, describing it as timely.
Ndalama revealed that the government is currently reviewing various policies aimed at improving the management and development of sports in the country.
Meanwhile, FDH Bank official Noel Mkulichi acknowledged the importance of corporate involvement, urging more companies to come forward and support teams.
FDH Bank recently entered into a K1.2 billion sponsorship agreement with NAM, a move aimed at promoting and developing netball in Malawi.
