ONE NICO NETBALL INVESTMENT BEARS FRUIT

By Vinjeru Ngwira……….

One Nico Group has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the One Nico Top 12 Netball Tournament, describing the competition as a significant contribution to the growth and development of netball in Malawi.

The company says the response from participating teams, supporters and other stakeholders has demonstrated the value of investing in grassroots sports, particularly in creating competitive platforms for emerging talent.

Speaking in Lilongwe on Sunday during the Central Region playoffs, One Nico Group Business Development Manager, Chimwemwe Mandalazi, said the organisation was encouraged by the tournament’s achievements, noting that the impact of the sponsorship had gone beyond its initial expectations.

Mandalazi said the growing excitement surrounding the competition reflected the positive reception it had received from the netball community.

The Central Region playoffs produced an exciting conclusion, with Blue Eagles Netball Team emerging champions after narrowly defeating Civonets 33-32 in a closely contested final.

Meanwhile, Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) Treasurer Cecelia Mtukule Bondwe commended the tournament for providing teams with a competitive environment to showcase their abilities.

Bondwe said the increased participation and quality of competition were encouraging signs for grassroots netball development, adding that such initiatives were important in strengthening the sport’s competitiveness.

Attention now shifts to the Northern Region, which will host its playoffs on November 14–15 at Mzuzu Stadium. Three teams from the region will secure qualification for the national finals.

The national finals are scheduled for November 28–29 in Lilongwe, where qualified teams will battle for the One Nico Top 12 Netball Tournament championship.