2025 Africa Netball Cup: Queens outclass Tanzania, face She-Cranes in semifinals

….Malawi 55-32 Tanzania

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE -(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Netball Team, the Queens on Friday came guns blazing as they outclassed Tanzania in their final group stage match of the Africa Netball Cup taking place at Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe.

The Queens emerged as 55-32 winners as Frolence Jeke, Stella Matelezi shined in front of the home fans which came in large numbers at the magnificent, Griffin Saenda.

Malawi led 18-4 in the first quarter, in the second quarter the Queens continued dominating Tanzania despite losing some scoring chances and misplacing some passes. As the quarter was nearing to conclude, Joyce Mvula was rested for Goal shooter, Stella Matelezi before Captain, Takondwa Lwazi was replaced by Meria Soko in the mid-Court. At the end of the second half Malawi led 28-14.

After the recess, Queens proved to be good over Tanzania as they showcased stunning and fascinating perfortmance to the satisfaction of the fans who cheered the team at the evening. At the end of the third quarter Malawi were up with 42-24.

At the end of the fourth quarter, the Queens were confirmed as 55-32 winners. Malawi has managed to win their two of three group stage games.

The team defeated Botswana, lost to South Africa before registering another victory against Tanzania.

In a post match interview head coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua praised her charges for the great fight.

“I have to thank the girls for the good play, though we lost possession sometimes but we pushed. Tanzania came up in the next quarter but we were already up so we need to rectify in those weaknesses as we meet Uganda on Saturday.

“She-Cranes is a possession team hence we shouldn’t lose balls unnecessary”,Chawinga said.

Frolence Jeke was later voted player of the match, grabbing the second thus far in the group stage.

Malawi Queens meet the She-Cranes of Uganda in the semifinals on Saturday who finished as winners of their group. Queens finished second to South Africa in their group.

In the semifinal two, South Africa will play against Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, Malawi Kings have been booted out of the competition following their 35-39 loss to Kenya.

This was the second defeat for Malawi as they stumbled against Eswatini in their opening game.


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Netball: South Africa Crush Tanzania 104-25

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First Lady Gertrude Mutharika inspires Malawi Queens ahead of 2025 Africa Netball Cup; Donates MK10 million

First Lady (in white brouse) with Malawi Queens

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s First Lady, Gertrude Mutharika, has provided financial support amounting to 10 million kwacha to the country’s netball teams.

The donation aims to bolster preparations for Malawi’s participation in the Africa Netball Cup scheduled for December.

According to her spokesperson, the funding was offered after the First Lady expressed a desire to encourage and motivate the national netball teams ahead of the regional tournament.

The spokesperson further explained that the funds originate from President Arthur Peter Mutharika, following discussions about the First Lady’s initiative to support sports development in the country.

This contribution underscores the First Lady’s commitment to promoting sports, particularly women’s participation in national and international competitions.

Officials from Malawi Netball Association have welcomed the donation, noting that it will significantly assist with training, logistics, and other preparatory activities.

The support comes at a crucial time as Malawi aims to maintain its strong presence in African netball and prepare the teams for competitive performance on the continental stage.

The First Lady’s intervention is seen as a morale booster for athletes and a signal of high-level endorsement of sports development in Malawi.

Malawians are encouraged to rally behind their teams as they represent the country in the upcoming Africa Netball Cup, with the First Lady’s donation serving as a symbol of national pride and support.


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Zambia withdraws national netball teams from 2025 Africa Netball Cup

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-Netball Zambia has announced the withdrawal of both the Women’s and Men’s National Netball Teams from the 2025 Africa Netball Cup, a major continental tournament set to run from December 8–14 in Lilongwe, Malawi.

In a press statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, the Association described the move as a painful but unavoidable decision prompted by its failure to raise the MK1.2 million required for the teams’ travel, accommodation and participation expenses.

Despite weeks of outreach and discussions with potential sponsors, Netball Zambia said all efforts to secure funding had been unsuccessful.

Netball Zambia Secretary General, Pritchard Ngoma, expressed deep regret over the development, noting that the Association had exhausted all possible avenues.

“It is with great disappointment that we announce the withdrawal of our Men’s and Women’s National Teams from the 2025 Africa Netball Cup. We have done everything within our means to mobilise resources but we can no longer hold on in the hope of a last-minute sponsor at this advanced stage, as doing so risks exposing the Association to penalties,” Ngoma said.

He further thanked players, fans and the wider netball community for their unwavering commitment to the sport.

“We appreciate the athletes’ dedication and the support from the netball community nationwide. We remain hopeful that Zambia will bounce back stronger and compete at next year’s tournament,” he added.

The announcement comes as a particular blow to the Women’s National Team, which made history by lifting their first-ever Africa Netball Cup title in 2023.

Netball Zambia acknowledged that the withdrawal would be especially disappointing for the reigning champions and their supporters.

However, the Association assured the nation that it remains focused on rebuilding and strengthening its systems to ensure better preparation and sustainable funding for future competitions.

Netball Zambia also extended its gratitude to all stakeholders, partners and fans for their continued support as it works to secure long-term solutions for the national teams.


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