NICO Group expresses strong confidence in the Malawi Queens to secure victory at the 2026 Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi and advance to the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia.
Speaking to journalists at a press briefing on Sunday, NICO’s Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, Taweni Gondwe Xaba, said the company’s confidence was grounded in more than optimism.
“Beyond our belief in the Queens, we’re evaluating their track record and technical proficiency, and we are highly confident they will deliver,” she added.
Gondwe Xaba urged the players to replicate the international form they displayed during the Glasgow campaign, using it as a benchmark, and reaffirmed the company’s continued support for the squad.
“We remain committed to supporting our athletes because of the pride and joy their performances bring to the nation,” she added.
The Queens departed for Nairobi on Sunday ahead of the tournament, which runs from September 19‑26. With only two World Cup qualification slots remaining for Africa, the stakes are high.
Malawi arrives with a seasoned roster, anchored by veteran shooter Mwawi Kumwenda, captain Takondwa Lwazi and Tendai Masamba. The team’s recent rise to eighth in the world rankings solidifies its status as one of Africa’s netball powerhouses.
The Queens have been drawn into Pool 2, where they will face Uganda, Zambia, hosts Kenya and Nigeria in what promises to be a fiercely contested group stage.
Captain Lwazi set a determined tone ahead of the opening whistle. “We expect a tough competition, but we are ready to deliver and qualify for the World Cup,” she said.
Head coach Deborah Fuller gave an upbeat assessment of the squad’s readiness, noting that all players are injury‑free and in strong physical condition for the competition.
Fuller described the team’s participation at this level as “a privilege,” adding that the Queens are eager to fly the Malawi flag with distinction.
