Two South African giants, Spar and Telkom, have joined hands with World Netball and Netball South Africa (NSA) as official premium sponsors of the 2023 Netball World Cup (NWC2023) in Cape Town.
The two companies are both known for their unstinting support for netball over a long period – SPAR as sponsor of the Spar Proteas, SPAR International Challenge and the Spar National Championships and Telkom as sponsors of the Telkom Netball League (TNL) and the Telkom Netball Championships for schools, so it is fitting that they should be involved in the first NWC to be played in Africa.
Netball is the biggest women’s sport in South Africa and is played across the country, from remote villages to metropolitan areas. “We are very proud of our association with these two companies. We are delighted that they will be premier sponsors of NWC2023,” said NSA President and NWC2023 Board member, Cecilia Molokwane
“Their domestic sponsorships have been crucial to the development of netball throughout South Africa, from grassroots level to our national team and we at NSA believe it is important for them to be part of the first Netball World Cup to be played in Africa.” added Molokwane.
“We have sponsored the Spar Proteas as well as national and international competitions for more than 20 years and regard netball as our flagship sponsorship. We are extremely proud of the SPAR Proteas, who have gone from strength to strength, but we are also very proud of our association with the SPAR National Championships, which provide opportunities for young women from around South Africa. We are extremely excited to be part of NWC2023 as our ongoing support to netball.” said Max Oliva, CEO Spar Southern Africa.
Testament to SPAR’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of women, Telkom through the Telkom Netball League and Telkom Netball Championship have provided the perfect launchpad for young players to showcase their skills and talents.
“Through our partnership with NSA, we have witnessed the extensive growth and development of netball in South Africa, and we are elated to be making history as official partner for the Netball World Cup.” elaborates Telkom Chief Marketing Officer Gugu Mthembu.
“Through our partnership with NWC2023, we are able to make netball more accessible for local talent to be transformed into international superstars,” said Mthembu.
NWC2023 will be held at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town from July 28 - 06 August 2023 , bringing together the world’s top netball-playing nations.
“It is always great to know that we have the country's support for the world cup preparations and proceedings and of-course the sponsorship support is one of the most valuable aspect and a part of a determining factor of readiness going forth.
We've seeing countries struggle and miss opportunities/competitions due to lack of sponsorships and funding, a huge thank you to companies like Spar and Telkom for even going an extra mile in being the title sponsors.
Both these brands have been of great assistance in the development of Netball in our country, it is great to see them follow through up to the World Cup preps to ensure that we are fully supported and ready. This partnership surely gives a sense of protection and readiness for what is set to be the biggest event for Netball South Africa to host in our home soil. Thank you Spar, thank you Telkom, we appreciate you,” said Spar Proteas captain Bongiwe Msomi
“Let me take this opportunity to proudly welcome both Telkom and Spar to the #2023 Netball World Cup corporate partners family. The announcement is indeed long overdue, and I am confident that they will use this relationship to leverage themselves well by ensuring that they become part of the legacy that will grow the sport and equally make it fashionable.
With them on board I am confident that they will use their various platforms inclusive of their outlets to conduct social media and instore promotions therefore adding to the hype and excitement of the upcoming world showpiece.
Their announcement as partners demonstrates that the country is indeed ready to deliver a successful upcoming #2023 Netball World Cup, Cape Town is ready, Ke Nako”. Said Pricilla Masisi 2023NWC Tournament Director.