Leading African financial services platform Mukuru has challenged the Malawi Netball U-21 National Team to bring home the trophy as they prepare to compete in Gibraltar at the Netball Youth World Cup.
The company held a farewell send-off ceremony with players and coaches on Friday in Lilongwe, expressing strong confidence in the team’s abilities.
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Speaking during the ceremony, Mukuru Malawi Country Director Pride Chiwaya said the company’s decision to partner with the Netball Association of Malawi was based on their belief that the girls deserved a platform to showcase their talent at the highest level.
“During the recent test series in Zambia, we were impressed with the team’s performance. They gave us a glimpse of their strengths and potential, and with that spirit, we are confident they will perform tremendously well,” Chiwaya said.
“As Mukuru, we are committed to associating with the best – excellence, customer service, innovative products, and strong partners. We are proud to say our brand stands with the best team. We believe the team will aim high, fight with courage, and go to Gibraltar determined to lift the trophy while carrying the Malawian flag and the Mukuru brand proudly.”
Netball Association of Malawi Vice Treasurer Anastasia Kaphale said the team’s qualification for the tournament demonstrated their determination and resilience, and she remains hopeful about their performance.
She commended Mukuru for becoming the team’s official sponsor alongside the Malawi Government, noting their support in managing all logistical matters.
“The team is scheduled to depart this Monday, fully prepared and motivated to make us proud. I urge the team to play with heart, play with discipline, and above all, enjoy the game to bring the cup home,” Kaphale said.
Queens Captain Aisha promised to fight hard and bring the trophy to Malawi.
Director of Finance at the Ministry of Sports, Shepherd Boma, emphasized the importance of a winning mindset.
“No team goes to war with a losing mind. We always go with winning minds, but keep in mind that this is not the first U-21 tournament and won’t be the last. When you go to the tournament, create memories, moments, and history,” he said.
The Netball World Youth Cup 2025 will take place from September 19-28, 2025, in Gibraltar. This pinnacle World Netball event for emerging players under 21 will involve 20 teams from five regions.
The tournament will be held at two main venues in Gibraltar: the Tercentenary Sports Hall and Europa Sports Park.
In early August, the Malawi Under-21 team had their first preparatory matches against 15th-ranked hosts Zambia, registering victories in all three test matches with scores of 48-36, 44-31, and 36-29.
Malawi last competed at the Netball World Youth Cup in 2009 in the Cook Islands, where current Malawi Queens star Mwawi Kumwenda-Mbwana emerged as top scorer and was subsequently spotted by Australian club Peninsula Waves, becoming Malawi’s first netball export.
Malawi are placed in Group D alongside Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa. The team will depart for Gibraltar on Monday, fully equipped with tracksuits, sneakers, and two sets of uniforms.
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