By Vinjeru Ngwira
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has received a major boost in its preparations for international competitions following the handover of an accommodation facility from One NICO Group through Eris Properties.
The facility, named the “Queens House,” is located in Namiwawa Township in Blantyre and sits on a 5.6-hectare piece of land, designed to serve as a permanent camping base for Malawi’s national netball team, the Queens.
The symbolic handover took place on Monday, 8 June 2026, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between NAM and its corporate partners.
NAM President Vitumbiko Gubuduza said the new arrangement will greatly reduce costs, with the association expected to save over K75 million every year previously spent on accommodation during national team camps.
She further explained that each camp used to cost around K25 million, adding that the Queens now have a stable “home” that will improve preparation and consistency ahead of competitions.
The facility is equipped with high-performance support amenities, including a physiotherapy room, recovery area, ice bath section, meeting room, and other essential spaces to support athlete conditioning and teamwork.
Eris Properties Chief Executive Officer Washington Chimuzu said the company is pleased to see the project come to life and noted that there is room for possible lease extension beyond the current three-year agreement.
Malawi National Council of Sports Chief Executive Officer Ivy Chinangwa praised the initiative, describing it as a strong partnership model that will strengthen the development and competitiveness of netball in Malawi.
She added that government is encouraged by such investments in sports infrastructure and is open to supporting further development, including proposals for a netball court at the same site.