By Vinjeru Ngwira
The race for places at the One Nico Top 12 Netball Tournament national finals is gathering momentum as attention shifts to the Northern Region following the conclusion of the Central Region playoffs.
Mzuzu Stadium will provide the stage for the Northern Region playoffs on November 14–15, with participating teams fighting for three available slots at the national finals scheduled for November 28–29 in Lilongwe.
The upcoming regional contest comes after Blue Eagles Netball Team secured the Central Region championship, edging Civonets 33-32 in a thrilling final played on Sunday in Lilongwe.
One Nico Group Business Development Manager, Chimwemwe Mandalazi, has meanwhile expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s progress, saying the competition is delivering encouraging results beyond the organisation’s initial expectations.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Central Region playoffs, Mandalazi highlighted the growing enthusiasm among teams and communities, describing the response as evidence of the positive impact of corporate investment in netball.
She said the organisation was encouraged by the level of participation and the excitement generated by the competition.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) Treasurer Cecelia Mtukule Bondwe also applauded the tournament, noting that the competitive matches were providing teams with valuable opportunities to showcase their abilities.
Bondwe further emphasised the importance of such competitions in strengthening grassroots structures and improving the overall standard of netball in the country.
With the Central Region champions already identified, the Northern Region now has an opportunity to produce its representatives for the national showdown, as the One Nico-sponsored competition moves closer to its climax.