Premier Bet hands over K80 Million Netball facility to Blantyre City Council

Leading betting company Premier Bet Malawi has handed over a state-of-the-art netball facility at Zingwangwa Youth Center to Blantyre City Council under its Premier Projects program, where a netball academy will be established.

The company officially transferred the facility, which cost over K80 million, to the council on Monday, September 8, 2025, during a colorful ceremony in Zingwangwa that drew large crowds.

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The impressive facility features a regulation netball court and five rooms that will serve as offices and changing rooms for both teams, complete with bathrooms, toilets, and water facilities suitable for players.

The facility will operate as the Zingwangwa Netball Academy, aimed at nurturing talented netballers across the country.

Speaking after the handover ceremony, Premier Bet’s Community Manager Hamza Mgaye said the company wanted to support young girls’ dreams of becoming elite netballers, while appealing for proper care of the facility.

“We wanted to make sure that we bring a child from the youngest age, helping them develop all necessary netball skills to graduate to national teams and compete at the national level,” Mgaye explained.

Alfred Nyengo, Director of Human Resources and Management for Blantyre City Council, thanked Premier Bet for the facility, noting it will help mold responsible citizens and develop youth talents.

“This facility targets the youth, and if we don’t handle these young people properly, we may lose them. This facility plays an important role for the city by giving youth opportunities to engage in sporting activities, diverting them from other activities that might harm them,” Nyengo said.

Vitumbiko Gubuduza, President of the Netball Association of Malawi and a major beneficiary of the facility, said it will help address challenges facing the sport due to inadequate infrastructure.

“This is a problem we’re facing as a nation right now. The Malawi National Council of Sports is trying to build facilities, but they can’t manage to address all needs. With Premier Bet’s contribution, I think we are relieved,” Gubuduza highlighted.

Senior Chief Zingwangwa of the township called the facility “a dream come true” that will benefit youth throughout the district. He encouraged other companies to follow Premier Bet’s example to help develop more areas.

Blantyre City Council announced plans to establish a management committee for both the facility and the academy, expressing hope for additional partnerships to ensure smooth operations.

This marks the third netball court handed over by Premier Bet, following previous installations at Blantyre Youth Centre and Bangwe Township.