NICO Commits to Continued Support for Netball

NICO Group Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of netball in Malawi following a review of the first year of its sponsorship of the Malawi National Netball Team, the Queens, and the NICO One Top 12 Netball Cup.

Speaking during the review, NICO Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Mbumba Mlia-Ndasauka, described the first year of the partnership as inspiring and insightful.

She said the sponsorship has revealed netball’s strong potential to unite Malawians and empower women across the country.

Mlia-Ndasauka said watching the Malawi Queens compete with resilience and determination at both local and international levels has been a source of pride for the Group, beyond match results.

She noted visible improvements in the team’s preparation, participation, and overall performance.

Mlia-Ndasauka added that with increased game exposure in the second year of the sponsorship, the Queens and other netball players are expected to improve further and begin recording more victories for the country.

Among the highlights of the first year, she cited the launch of the NICO One Top 12 Netball Cup, which has helped keep players active through regular local competitions.

She said the tournament has ensured continued player participation and training, rather than players waiting only for major competitions.

Mlia-Ndasauka also pointed to the scouting exercise conducted in collaboration with the Netball Association of Malawi as another key milestone.

In the inaugural edition of the NICO One Top 12 Netball Cup, Blue Eagles Sisters emerged champions after defeating Kukoma Diamonds in the final.

Meanwhile, the Malawi Queens finished fourth at the Africa Netball Cup, which Malawi hosted in December last year.

NICO Group, which includes NBS Bank and Eris Properties, is the official sponsor of the Malawi National Netball Team.

The Group has invested K1 billion in netball development.