CUP EYE TO DRIVE COMPETITION, TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) General Secretary Yamikani Kauma Khungwa says the 2026 One NICO Top 12 regional play-offs due to launched on 10th October 2026 will provide an important platform for high-level competition, talent identification and the development of the next generation of Malawian netball talent.

“As we head into the 2026 One NICO Top 12 regional play-offs, we are expecting exciting and competitive netball from across the country,” said Kauma Khungwa.

“We encourage all teams to compete hard, but also to uphold discipline, respect and good sportsmanship throughout the competition.”

She said the regional play-offs will also provide NAM with an opportunity to identify young talent for the Malawi Queens developmental pathway.

“We are looking to scout young and talented players who can join our Malawi Queens developmental squad, the Under-23 team, which is expected to compete in the Telkom Premier League in South Africa next year,” she said.

“This is a great opportunity for players to showcase what they can do. We wish all teams the very best and look forward to seeing the next generation of Malawian netball talent emerge.”

For title sponsor NICO, the 2026 One NICO Top 12 is also designed to create an experience that goes beyond the netball court by using the competition as a platform to empower players, supporters and communities with practical financial knowledge.

NICO Head of Corporate Affairs, Mbumba Mlia Ndasauka said the tournament’s experience will be built around five pillars that support the competition’s rebuilding story: Discover, Play, Learn, Win and Share.

“At every game, we want all stakeholders to experience the five pillars that support our rebuilding story — Discover, Play, Learn, Win and Share,” said Mlia Ndasauka.

“Netball gives us a powerful platform to engage communities, but we want the experience to go beyond the game. Through the One NICO Top 12, we would like to empower everyone — players, fans, families and communities — with practical financial knowledge that can help them make better financial decisions and build a stronger future.”

She said NICO will integrate financial-literacy activities and interactive experiences into the tournament to make learning engaging and accessible.

“Our ambition is to make financial literacy part of the experience. Whether someone comes to watch a match, participates in a game, visits an activation or follows the competition online, we want them to discover something new, play, learn something useful, win where they can, and share the experience with others.”

The 2026 One NICO Top 12 regional play-offs will bring together teams from across the country’s regions, with the competition ultimately identifying the teams that will progress to the national stage.

The tournament will combine competitive netball with fan engagement, entertainment and financial-literacy activities, reinforcing NICO’s commitment to using sport as a platform for positive social and economic impact.