Meru has emerged as a key supporter of the African Netball Cup, donating 2,500 litres of fuel to facilitate tournament logistics. Malawi will host the event from December 8 to 14 at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe.
The company, part of the Mount Meru Group, a multinational conglomerate operating across Africa, has business operations in Malawi through Mount Meru Millers Ltd and Mount Meru Petroleum Ltd.
The contribution reflects both corporate responsibility and national pride as teams from across the continent converge on the capital.
Meru General Manager for Sales, Gagan Banchory, said the company stepped in after learning that transport and logistics were major challenges for organisers.
“Supporting this event aligns with our commitment to Malawi while providing a platform to showcase our diverse product lines, from petroleum and LPG to cooking oil, lubricants, and soaps,” he said.
Banchory added that the tournament offers an opportunity for Meru to engage with a broad audience, noting with a touch of humour that Malawi’s players could “use our cooking oil for energy” and that team kits could be washed with Meru soap, highlighting the company’s marketing strategy while showing support for the national squad.
Local Organising Committee chairperson Limbani Matola described the donation as a significant relief, easing the burden of transport and logistics.
Matola revealed that contributions from partners like Meru have reduced the tournament’s budget deficit from K200 million to about K50 million, ensuring the event runs smoothly.
He confirmed that nine teams, including Malawi, will compete in both men’s and women’s categories.
Furthermore, Matola praised Malawi’s resilience, highlighting the rapid transformation of the hosting facility in just a month despite limited resources.
African Netball President Rebecca Gaogoses expressed confidence in Malawi’s readiness, noting the strong organisational structures put in place early in the hosting process.
Gaogoses said frequent progress updates from Malawi reassured the continental body that preparations were on track.
Acknowledging normal pre-event challenges, Gaogoses commended Malawi’s swift responses and the quality of the refurbished facility.
She emphasized that rotating hosting duties among African nations is essential for sports development, as it encourages infrastructure upgrades and expands opportunities for players.
On Meru’s contribution, she noted that logistical challenges are inevitable in large-scale events, but partnerships like Meru’s play a critical role in ensuring success.
With all teams now in the country and the opening ceremony scheduled for this evening, Gaogoses expressed optimism that Malawi will deliver a memorable African Netball Cup.
