Men’s Netball Tournament Unveils Malawi Kings Squad

The inaugural Aniz Mitha Men’s Netball Tournament, held over the weekend at the Blantyre Sports Arena, has successfully unearthed fresh talent for Malawi’s first-ever men’s national netball team, the Malawi Kings.

According to the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM), the competition was crucial for identifying players who will don national colours as the country prepares for its debut in continental competitions.

Interim president of the Men’s Netball Association of Malawi, Precious Bondwe, said the tournament served two purposes — to unite all existing men’s netball teams in the country and to shortlist players for the Malawi Kings training camp.

“We wanted to know exactly how many men’s netball teams we have in Malawi and, more importantly, to select players who will form the backbone of our national team,” said Bondwe, who also appealed for more corporate sponsors to back the sport.

Tournament sponsor Aniz Mitha, who bankrolled the K5 million competition, said his motivation came from a long-standing gap in Malawi’s sporting representation.

“The Malawi Queens have been competing internationally without a male counterpart. It was time to change that,” Mitha explained.

NAM president Vitumbiko Gubuduza hailed the initiative, revealing that Malawi will host the African Netball Cup in December.

“Finally, we have the foundation for a competitive men’s national team. The African Netball Cup will be our first big test, and we’re also looking ahead to the Star Challenge early next year,” Gubuduza said.

Malawi National Council of Sports chief executive officer Dr. Henry Kamata also endorsed the development, noting that diversifying netball’s reach will broaden participation.

“Netball has always been seen as a women’s game, but introducing a men’s version expands the sport’s appeal and opportunities,” he said.

Akabawi Men’s Netball Team emerged champions, pocketing K400,000, with Limboba finishing second for K200,000, and Zomba Giants taking home K100,000 for third place.