The One NICO Top 12 National Netball Cup is offering players a platform to showcase their talent and pursue higher ambitions, with organizers viewing grassroot competitions as key to developing Malawi’s next generation of netball stars.
The Southern Region play-offs concluded in Blantyre on Sunday, with Kukoma Diamonds claiming the regional title ahead of Tigresses and Giants NC, who also qualified for the national finals.
NICO Holdings Corporate Affairs Manager Mbumba Mlia Ndasauka said the tournament was designed to develop grassroots talent, empower girls and contribute to rebuilding the national netball team.
“The tournament aims to develop grassroots talent, empower girls and contribute to rebuilding Malawi’s national netball team,” said Ndasauka.
Individual performances also highlighted the talent emerging from the competition, with Tigresses shooter Relie Banda winning both the Best Shooter and Most Valuable Player awards.
Mirriam Mlia of Kukoma Reserve was named Best Defender, Princess Banda of Kukoma Diamonds won Best Centre, while Fada’s Emily Coffee received the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Netball Association of Malawi president Vitumbiko Gubuduza thanked NICO Group, the Southern Region Netball Committee and participating teams for their contribution to the competition.
The tournament will now move to the Eastern, Central and Northern regions this month, with the play-offs expected to determine the teams that will compete for national honours in Lilongwe.
For emerging players, the competition offers an opportunity to test their abilities against strong opposition, gain recognition and strengthen their ambitions of progressing to higher levels of the game.
Kukoma Diamonds coach Noel Musa said his team was ready for the national finals after missing out on the overall title last season, despite winning the Southern Region competition.
The national finals will provide the regional qualifiers with an opportunity to turn their performances into national success, while the tournament continues its stated mission of supporting talent development in Malawian netball.