Rachael Kaphaizi

The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) says NICO Group’s investment in netball is helping to rebuild the national team while creating opportunities for emerging players to develop their talent.

NAM president Vitumbiko Gubuduza said competitions such as the One NICO Top 12 Netball Cup provided a platform to identify promising players who could strengthen the Malawi Queens.

Gubuduza praised the Southern Region playoffs in Blantyre, saying the competition was impressive and helped expose emerging talent.

NICO Group head of corporate affairs Mbumba Mlia Ndasauka said the tournament also helped the company connect with netball fans while supporting grassroots development.

“We are very thankful to all 12 teams that registered and participated in the tournament. Fans came out in large numbers, and we are happy because we reached them with our NICO products. This is what the company deserves, apart from just investing in the sport,” Ndasauka said.

NICO’s investment in netball includes a K1 billion, three-year partnership with NAM announced in October 2024. The 2024–2027 deal supports the Queens and the One NICO Top 12 Netball Cup, along with initiatives to develop talent and train coaches, umpires and bench officials.

Meanwhile, NICO has increased its sponsorship of the Top 12 competition from K60 million to K75 million for the second edition, while the winners’ prize money has risen from K5 million to K6 million.

The Southern Region playoffs saw Kukoma Diamonds retain their title after beating Tigresses in the final, with both teams and third-placed Giants qualifying for the national finals in Lilongwe.