By Llywellenie Mpasa
Nico Holdings has given the Malawi National Netball Team, the Queens, a hearty sendoff ahead of the 2026 Africa Netball Cup, with qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup at stake.
The Queens left the country Sunday afternoon for the continental tournament, which is scheduled for September 19 to 26 in Nairobi, Kenya, and would provide the qualification pathway for next year’s World Cup.
As official sponsors of the Malawi Queens, Nico Holdings officials said they were proud to support the team as it pursues a milestone for Malawi netball.
Nico Holdings Group Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Taweni Gondwe Xaba said the company believed that the team had the ability to achieve its World Cup ambitions.
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“The Queens have demonstrated the potential to compete at the highest level and deserve the backing of Malawians as they embark on the campaign,” she said.
Speaking at a press briefing at Queens House in Blantyre City, Gondwe Xaba said Nico’s support was not merely about sponsoring the team but also about standing behind players as they represent the country at an important continental stage.
The sendoff ceremony took place at Queens House, the Queens’ official base and administrative home in Blantyre, supported by Nico Holdings.
Xaba said the tournament presented the Queens with a dual challenge as they sought continental success while also fighting for a place at the 2027 Netball World Cup.
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“The sendoff represents our continued commitment to supporting netball and giving the national team [officials and players] the encouragement they need,” she said.
The Malawi side heads into the competition with valuable international experience from the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Coach Debbie Fuller said the Commonwealth Games provided sound preparations for the Queens’ demanding assignment in Nairobi.
“The lessons from Glasgow have reinforced the team’s determination to keep improving, with the Queens focused on becoming a better and more disciplined side before the competition begins,” she said.
Fuller made four changes to the squad that represented the country at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, ahead of the 2026 Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, Kenya.
Mphatso Kanyimbo, Thandi Galeta, Chimwemwe Dzanja and Prisca Banda earned their call-ups after missing the Glasgow Games.
The changes have seen Mphatso Banda being dropped from the squad that travelled to Scotland.
The squad also includes notable names such as Mwawi Kumwenda, captain Takondwa Lwazi and Tendai Masamba.
The Malawi Queens final 15-member travelling squad includes Ethel Ng’ambi, Florence Jeke, Stella Matelezi, Martha Dambo, Shabel Bengo, Sophilet Banda, Aisha Gama, Chimwemwe Dzanja, Prisca Banda, Thandi Galeta, Melia Soko and Mphatso Kanyimbo.
