Central Region Volleyball League (CRVL) Chairperson Robert Nazintwere says the Malawi Women’s National Team’s recent progress is clear evidence that the country has talented athletes across other sports disciplines, but they need financial backing to reach their potential.

Nazintwere made the remarks on Thursday during the opening of the three-day M & TM CRVL Invitational Tournament at Blue Gym Volleyball Court in Lilongwe.

He said men’s football has traditionally received the lion’s share of sponsorship in Malawi, but the women’s national football team’s recent performance has demonstrated the value of investing in other sports disciplines as well.

He appealed to the corporate world to consider sponsoring volleyball, a sport he said instils discipline and promotes the wellbeing of players.

A total of 18 teams registered for the tournament, which runs until Saturday — 11 in the male category and 7 in the female category.

International teams from Mozambique and Tanzania were unable to attend due to logistical challenges.

“We are happy with the turnout. Though we would have loved to have more teams registering in the female category, we are satisfied with how the tournament has started. We are impressed and encouraged,” Nazintwere said.

M & TM has sponsored the tournament with MK5 million, though CRVL says the event is expected to cost around MK10 million.

Teams competing in the tournament include Kamuzu Barracks, Blue Eagles, Wolves, Malawi Defence Force, Green Eagles, Lilongwe Spikers, Mipuniro Spikers, Blantyre Smashers, Midhala, Minthopa-He, and Parachute Battalion.