Eleven countries are expected to take part in the 2025 Africa Netball Cup, which Malawi will host at Griffin Saenda Complex in Lilongwe.
Initially, nine countries were expected to compete in the continental showpiece but, as the countdown to the throw-off has begun, a lot of nations are expressing interest in being part of the week-long championship.
Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) President Vitumbiko Mwandemange- Gubuduza confirmed that 11 countries had expressed interest in participating in the championship, which will run from December 8 to 14 in Lilongwe.
Gubuduza said they were excited with prospects of hosting the event, describing it as an opportunity to showcase Malawi’s sporting talent and hospitality.
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“We are thrilled to host Africa’s best here in Lilongwe. This championship will give our fans a chance to witness top-class netball and also inspire young girls across Malawi to take up the sport,” Gubuduza said.
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The championship will bring together the continent’s top netballing nations, promising a week of high-intensity competition and regional pride.
Hosts Malawi, known as The Queens, will be eager to capitalise on home ground advantage as they look to reclaim their glory, having surrendered the crown on home soil in 2013.
So far, the 11 countries expected to take part include South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, eSwatini and Lesotho.
The tournament will not only determine the continental champions but will also serve as ranking games.
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As the participating teams gear up for the December showdown, fans across the continent are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an electrifying week of netball action in the heart of Malawi.
Meanwhile, analyst Neffie Kam’mata has said Malawi should be well prepared to host the event.
“We are talking about having infrastructure ready before the games. Much as we are concentrating on our teams—the Queens and Kings—to do well, we also need to be fully prepared, in terms of hospitality, logistics and merchandise,” she said.
