By Vinjeru Ngwira
NICO Group has welcomed the Malawi Queens’ qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, describing the achievement as an important milestone for the continued development of Malawian netball.
The Queens secured their place at the global tournament during the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, Kenya, where they also claimed a bronze medal, marking another significant achievement on the international stage.
NICO Group Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Taweni Gondwe-Xaba said the qualification demonstrates that sustained investment in the national team is producing tangible results.
“World Cup qualification shows that the work being done around this team is producing results. We are seeing Malawi strengthen its position internationally, moving towards the top eight,” Gondwe-Xaba said.
She said NICO Group’s commitment goes beyond individual competitions, with the company focused on supporting the team’s long-term growth and development. She also highlighted the emergence of younger players alongside experienced members of the squad.
Queens captain Takondwa Lwazi has meanwhile called for preparations for the Sydney World Cup to begin immediately, saying the team needs adequate time to prepare for the demanding global competition.
Assistant coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa said the technical panel is already planning a series of international matches to expose the players to different styles of play and enhance their competitiveness.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Jameson Ndalama said government remains committed to supporting the Queens, while the completion of the Griffin Sayenda Indoor Sports Complex is expected to provide an important facility for the team’s preparations ahead of the World Cup.
