The 2025 One NICO Top 12 Netball Cup Northern Region finals in Mzuzu delivered an electrifying showcase of talent, tenacity, and emerging stars.
At the centre of the spectacle stood Ekwendeni’s Resource Sisters, who clinched the title after a nail-biting 21–19 victory over Moyale Sisters in a fiercely contested final. With every pass, interception, and goal fiercely contested, fans at Mzuzu Stadium were treated to a dramatic conclusion to one of Malawi’s most anticipated netball events.
This year’s regional showdown featured 16 elite teams, each vying not only for the regional crown but also for coveted spots at the national finals in Lilongwe.
The tournament unfolded through four tightly contested groups, with standout performances from Karonga Queens, Mzimba Queens, and Golden Balls. Resource Sisters made an early statement with a commanding 69–15 group-stage victory, setting the tone for their championship run.
As the competition advanced, the quarterfinals revealed just how tight the field had become. Resource Sisters dispatched Chitipa Queens 27–17, while Moyale Sisters overcame Golden Balls 19–12. Mzimba Queens narrowly escaped a determined Home Sisters side, edging them 25–24, and Malongo Sisters eliminated Karonga Queens in another closely fought contest. With each match, rivalries intensified, and the stakes grew higher.
The semifinals brought fireworks. Moyale Sisters edged Malongo Sisters 46–43 in a thrilling encounter, while Resource Sisters methodically outmanoeuvred Mzimba Queens 27–23 in a more strategic battle.
The growing depth and intensity of Northern Region netball were on full display. In the third-place playoff, Mzimba Queens bounced back emphatically, defeating Malongo Sisters 36–19 to secure their national finals berth.
In the final, tension gripped the court as Resource Sisters and Moyale Sisters went head-to-head. With both teams locked in a defensive stalemate, it was Resource’s composure, disciplined defence, and cohesive teamwork that made the difference. Their 21–19 triumph underscored the razor-thin margins between victory and defeat.
For their victory, Resource Sisters earned MWK 1,000,000 in prize money, while Moyale Sisters received MWK 700,000 as runners-up. Mzimba Queens walked away with MWK 500,000 for third place, and all quarterfinalists received monetary rewards for their efforts. But beyond the financial incentives, the prestige and opportunity to compete at the national level proved equally valuable.
The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) lauded the event, with General Secretary Yamikani Kauma praising the Northern Region as the most vibrant in terms of participation and talent development.
She commended the high standard of play and credited the tournament with strengthening the national talent pipeline.
For title sponsor NICO Holdings, the event was about more than sport. Corporate Affairs Manager Mbumba Mlia Tasauka emphasised the tournament’s broader impact, empowering players with financial literacy and preparing them for life beyond the court.
With several rising stars already on the radar of the national junior team selectors, the developmental benefits were clear.
As attention now turns to the national finals set for August 30 in Lilongwe, the Northern Region will be proudly represented by three formidable teams: champions Resource Sisters, runners-up Moyale Sisters, and third-placed Mzimba Queens.
Their Mzuzu performances were a clear statement of the region’s growing influence on the national stage.
This year’s Northern Region finals were more than a tournament, they were a celebration of sport, community spirit, and ambitious futures.
With passion on full display and new talent breaking through, the One NICO Top 12 Netball Cup has firmly established itself as a pillar in the growth of Malawi’s beloved game.
