Queens eye strong start in Africa Championship

Malawi Queens are eager to get off to a strong start this afternoon as they begin the 2026 Africa Netball Cup campaign in Nairobi, Kenya, against Zambia in Pool 2 opener.

The continental showpiece runs from today to September 26 with the Malawi National Netball Team challenged not only to fight for the title but, most importantly, make the grade for the 2027 Netball World Cup as the Africa Netball Cup acts as the qualifiers.

Being the second time to fight for the World Cup qualification after losing the privilege of automatic qualification due to a slip-up on top-six world rankings, the Queens need to secure one of the two available slots.

South Africa and Uganda already made the grade for being ranked fifth and sixth, respectively.

Queens expatriate coach Debbie Fuller yesterday said, after intense closed-door pre-tournament games against South Africa, Namibia and Botswana within the last three days, her charges are refreshed and highly motivated.

She is also fired up with the availability of celebrated Australia-based shooter Mwawi Kumwenda-M’bwana, who will be making her first appearance in the continental showpiece after missing out previous editions due to club commitments and logistical challenges.

“All I can say is that we have no complaints ahead of our opening game. The tune-up games have helped us a lot to tighten the loose ends and we are now ready for the showdown,” said Fuller.

After today’s pool match against 17th-ranked Zambia at 1pm, the eighth-ranked Queens will face hosts Kenya tomorrow at 2pm, debutants Nigeria on Monday at 4pm and Uganda on September 23 at noon.

Meanwhile, Mwawi, who boasts several accolades in prestigious global competitions, including the Player-of-the-Tournament at the 2015 Netball World Cup, yesterday said she cannot wait to make her first continental appearance.

“We will fight to win in all our fixtures because a lot is at stake. We need the African title, the World Cup qualification and the improvement on rankings. Our chances are very good, The girls have been working so hard. We need to restore the Malawians’ pride in the Queens and we will give it our best,” she said.

At the 2026 edition, South Africa and Uganda are the hardest nuts the Queens have to crack to be assured of a title and better ranking.

The Queens have not won the Africa Netball Cup since 2013 when South Africa snatched the crown with a 54-52 extra-time win in the final at the Blantyre Sports Arena.

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