Malawi U-21 Netball team kicks off World Cup preparations Weekend

Malawi’s U-21 Netball team is set to begin preparations for the 2025 Youth World Cup this weekend, with the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) announcing a provisional squad of 21 players for local camping.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

The team will undergo its first camping session in Lilongwe from June 14 to June 29. This is part of a two-phase camping program designed by NAM to prepare the squad for the global showpiece.

Yamikani Kauma, General Secretary of the Netball Association of Malawi, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the training. “This is part of the broader program as the team prepares for the World Cup in Gibraltar in September. The goal is to build a cohesive unit ready for the World Cup tactically, mentally, and technically,” she stated.

Kauma further elaborated on the training schedule, “The girls will be in camp for two weeks; they will break in July. We are also planning to have another camp with international friendlies against Zambia. The aim is to make sure that the team is ready for the World Cup.”

The Netball World Youth Cup 2025 (NWYC2025) will feature 20 teams competing in Gibraltar from September 19 to 28. Five teams have pre-qualified for the event: New Zealand, Australia, England, and Fiji, based on their top-four finish at the NWYC2017, and Gibraltar as the host nation. The NWYC2021 was canceled due to Covid.

World Netball’s five Regional Federations – Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania – each hosted a NWYC2025 Qualifier event, with the top three from each region earning an invitation to compete. Malawi is one of the three African nations to qualify for the prestigious tournament.

Here is the full squad announced for the initial camping:

SHOOTERS

• Stella Matelilezi – Blue Eagles
• Ida Mbewe – Kukoma Diamonds
• Ananios Makanganya – Mzimu Queens
• Florence Joke – Civnets
• Shira Nkhoma – Vanessa Sisters

MID COURT

• Maasa Soko – Vanessa Sisters
• Odija Goma – Tigresses
• Lynette Malamisifu – Prison Queens
• Anjelina Mtele – Civnets
• Alinafe Chaima – Young Eagles

DEFENDERS

• Esther Phiri – Giants NC
• Esina Gama – Blue Eagles
• Christina Type – Pacers

NICO SCOUTING SQUAD

• Nancy Lipenga – Moyale Barracks
• Sarafina Mfango – Karonga Queens
• Tashira Mbwawa – Nico Sisters
• Ivy Kachinjika – Vanessa Sisters

TECHNICAL

Noel Mussa (Head Coach) Chisomo Mkwanda (Assistant Coach) Amne Kapatuka (Team Manager) Gelude Chilemba (Team Doctor) Vincent Mzomba (Fitness Trainer) Peace Kaluwa (Mentor)