Central Region enters One Nico Cup race as playoffs test regional talent

The race for places in the One Nico Top 12 Netball Cup finals moves to the Central Region this weekend, where teams will battle for three qualification slots at the Kamuzu Institute of Sports.

The playoffs follow competitions in the South and East, where three teams from each of those regions have already secured places in the national finals.

Central Region Netball Committee (CRNC) General Secretary Daniel Nyirenda said the tournament would showcase the region’s talent, particularly as the Malawi national netball team rebuilds.

“We expect the playoffs to help in talent identification for our Queens. The region has talent and we expect more teams to participate in this year’s tournament,” he said.

As of Saturday afternoon, Lioness, Rio Sisters, Super Queens, Vanessa, Belinda, SP BN, Future Stars, defending champions Blue Eagles Sisters and their reserve side Young Eagles had confirmed their availability for the playoffs.

Three teams will progress to the national finals, joining representatives from the other regions.

Kukoma Diamonds, Tigresses and Giants NC have qualified from the Southern Region, while Prison Queens, Air Force Falcons and Genius will represent the East.

The playoffs will then move to the Northern Region for the remaining finalists to be determined.

The tournament enters its second season under Nico’s sponsorship, which has been raised from K60 million to K75 million, improving the prize package.

The champions will pocket K6 million, up from K5 million last year.

The runners-up will receive K4 million, up from K3.5 million, and the third-placed team will take home K3 million, up from K2.5 million.