All roads lead to Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe, where the cream of the game on the continent has converged for the 14th edition of the Africa Netball Cup.
The competition throws off with nine teams vying for continental glory in what promises to be an action-packed week of netball.
The competition threw off with nine teams vying for continental glory in what promises to be an action packed week of netball. Surely, Malawi and Africa are buzzing with excitement as things get started this morning. With defending champions Zambia withdrawing from the tournament at the eleventh hour due to financial constraints, the competition will crown new kings and queens as teams will compete in women’s and men’s categories.
As usual, Africa’s highest ranked team, South Africa’s Spar Proteas, hosts Malawi Queens and Uganda’s She Cranes go into the competition as favourites.
At the same time, nations such as Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, eSwatini, Kenya and Namibia have made great strides in recent years and are no pushovers.
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This sets up a potentially explosive tournament that could spring surprises.
Pool One comprises Malawi, South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania, with the Queens beginning their campaign against Botswana in the official opening match at 7pm while South Africa will face Tanzania this afternoon.
The Queens and Spar Proteas will renew their rivalry when they meet tomorrow.
Malawi will conclude their group stage action with a showdown against Tanzania on Friday.
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There are also massive ties in Pool Two, which comprises Uganda, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya.
Netball fans will also watch the best African men’s netball teams in action.In this category, Malawi are in Pool Two alongside Namibia, Kenya and eSwatini while Pool Two comprises South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Botswana.
The top two teams in each group will qualify for the semi-finals, with the top team in Pool One facing the second team in Pool Two and vice versa.
Africa Netball President Rebeka Goagoses has said all is set for the throw-off.
She was speaking during a press conference in Lilongwe after Meru donated 2,500 litres of fuel for the tournament.
Goagoses said she was expecting a successful tournament.
“We are thrilled to be here. All the teams are geared for the tournament. We expect to watch competitive matches,” she said.
Local Organising Committee Chairperson Limbani Matola said all logistical arrangements had been finalised ahead of the tournament.
“We are looking forward to hosting a successful tournament and we are all set,” Matola said.
