By GRACE CHAILE –
THE Netball Association of Zambia (NAZ) yesterday received a combined sponsorship worth K55, 000 for the national team preparations for the 2014 Africa Championship slated for Botswana.
NAZ received a donation of K30, 000 from the Sports Council of Zambia (SCZ) with Shoprite Zambia purchasing tracksuits for the team at a cost of K15, 000 while Pound Stretcher donated jerseys worth K5, 000.
Cavmont Bank pumped in K3, 000 with Natural Valley Limited donating 100 cases of 500mls bottled Manzi Valley water, 15 containers of 20 litres and a dispenser all amounting to K2, 500.
NAZ president Getrude Mukumi said at the media briefing National Sports Development Centre (NASDEC) in Lusaka yesterday that K80, 000 has so far been raised for the tournament that will be used as qualifier for the World Netball Championship.
Mukumi paid tribute to the companies for coming on board to help sponsor the team for the championship that starts on September 14 to 20 in Gaborone.
SCZ chairperson Mwamba Kalenga said sport plays an important role of stabilising the country and that its absence can cause high levels of delinquency among youths which would be detrimental to sports development.
Kalenga said the coming on board of corporate companies to aid NAZ indicates the desire to push youths further in achieving their dreams.
He advised NAZ to be accountable of the money and always remember to give feedback to the sponsors.
Cavmont Bank chief executive officer Charles de B Carey said his institution believed in talent and hence the decision to sponsor minor sports.
The final team has Lucy Jere, Beauty Nakazwe, Brenda Mwila, Carol Moono, Doreen Kasayla Naomi Changwe, Petronella Bwalya, Joyce Mwanza, Yvonne Kaholo, Agness Chig’ambo, Margret Mutafela and Idah Mukoena.