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

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First Lady (in white brouse) with Malawi Queens

Airtel Malawi

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.

Capital One

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

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Airtel Malawi

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.

Capital One

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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