NICO Group has pledged continued sponsorship of Malawi’s national netball team, the Queens, after reviewing the first year of its partnership with the Netball Association of Malawi.
Head of Corporate Affairs Mbumba Mlia-Tasauka said the sponsorship had been “very inspiring and insightful,” noting that the company had seen netball’s strong potential to unite Malawians and empower women across the country.
She said watching the Queens compete with resilience and determination on local, regional, and international stages had been a source of pride, adding that the team’s discipline, preparation, and steady improvement stood out beyond match results.
Malawi finished fourth at the Africa Netball Cup hosted in December, a performance NICO believes reflects progress and greater promise with increased game time and sustained preparation.
The company also hailed the launch of the One NICO Top 12 Netball Cup, won by Blue Eagles Sisters after defeating Kukoma Diamonds, as a key milestone in strengthening local club competition.
NICO further supported a nationwide talent scouting exercise that reached remote areas, offering young girls a rare opportunity to showcase their abilities and pursue netball at a higher level.
Looking ahead, the company says it will continue working with the Netball Association of Malawi to ensure continuous training and player development as the Queens prepare for major international competitions, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
