Zambia Withdraws from Africa Netball Cup Due to Financial Constraints

The Netball Association of Zambia has officially withdrawn from this year’s Africa Netball Cup, citing financial difficulties as the primary reason for their absence.

Zambia was among the 10 teams expected to compete in the tournament, which Malawi will host in Lilongwe. However, the association informed the Netball Association of Malawi that it failed to raise the required ZK1.2 million needed to cover participation expenses.

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Reads the statement in part, “Netball Zambia wishes to formally announce the withdrawal of both the Women’s and Men’s National Netball Teams from the 2025 Africa Netball Cup scheduled to take place from 8th to 14th December 2025 in Lilongwe, Malawi.

“This difficult decision has been reached following the Association’s inability to raise the required K1,200,000 needed to facilitate the teams’ participation at the tournament.

“Despite rigorous efforts and continuous engagements with potential partners, the Association has been unable to secure the necessary sponsorship.”

Speaking on the development, Netball Zambia Secretary General, Pritchard Ngoma, has expressed deep regret.

“It is with great disappointment that we announce the withdrawal of our Men’s and Women’s National Teams from the 2025 Africa Netball Cup. We have done everything within our means to mobilise resources, but we can no longer hold on in the hope of a last-minute sponsor at this advanced stage, as doing so risks exposing the Association to penalties,” said Ngoma.

Ngoma has thanked the players and fans for their dedication to the sport of Netball.
“We appreciate the athletes’ dedication and the support from the netball community nationwide. We remain hopeful that Zambia will bounce back stronger and compete at next year’s tournament,” echoed Ngoma.

Limbani Cliff Matola, chairperson of the tournament’s local organizing committee, confirmed Zambia’s withdrawal but assured that preparations remain on track.

“The preparations for the tournament are at an advanced stage, and Zambia has communicated that they will not participate, but this will not affect our preparations,” Matola said. “We are just working on redoing the fixtures, and we are ready to host a historical tournament.”

Zambia’s withdrawal follows an earlier announcement by Lesotho, which also pulled out of the competition. The tournament was initially expected to feature 11 teams but will now proceed with nine participating nations.

The remaining teams include Uganda, Botswana, eSwatini, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, and one other nation yet to be specified in official communications.

Despite the withdrawals, organizers remain optimistic about delivering a successful continental netball showcase. The tournament will start on 8th December to 14th December this year.