By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The 2025 Mpico Gateway Mall Central Region netball league is progressing exceptionally well with tremendous competition among teams at both regional and district levels exciting the centre netball committee.
According to Daniel Chigowo Nyirenda, general secretary of the Central Region Netball Committee, the league is on the right track and has significantly contributed to the growth of netball in Malawi by bringing hidden talent into the spotlight.
“We are on the right track as we have seen players from Cedar, which is a small team, breaking through into the Malawi Under-19 national team.
“Many players from our league are in the Under-21 team preparing for the World Cup. Others are now settling well in the national team, and we had numerous players in the 2025 Under-19 squad that participated in the Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia,” explained Nyirenda.
The general secretary revealed that competition has also intensified in districts participating in the league for the first time.
“Mpico is really bringing hidden talent into the limelight. District leagues are also up and running with very positive results. Over 180 teams are participating in the league thus far.
“We believe that by next year we will produce, nurture, and groom numerous talents. We attribute this success to our long-time sponsor, Mpico,” added Nyirenda.
At the regional level, Young Eagles have intensified their quest to win the league, leading the 10-team table with 12 points from six games. The Area 30-based side has scored 373 goals while conceding 134, maintaining an impressive goal difference of 239.
Their rivals, Boma Sisters, occupy second position with eight points, tied with Dyna Queens.
The Civonet feeder team has played five games, winning four and losing once, scoring 276 goals while conceding 148 for a goal difference of 128.
Dyna Queens, sitting third, have netted 242 goals and allowed 161, with a goal difference of 81.
Last week’s results saw Young Eagles thrash Lioness Youth 68-28, while Boma Sisters secured a comfortable 55-26 victory over Belinda Sisters. Sharp Shooters suffered a 24-35 defeat to Belinda Sisters, and Atlas emerged as 38-21 winners against Armour Battalion.
This Saturday’s fixtures include Young Eagles facing Cedar at 09:00 hours in what appears to be a one-sided encounter based on previous results and current table positions.
Lioness takes on Boma Stars at 10:30 hours, Atlas Sisters play Belinda Sisters from 13:00 hours, and the much-improved Dyna Queens host Cedar Queens from 14:30 hours.
Mpico Group of Companies began sponsoring the centre netball league in 2016 and has invested over MK250 million to date.
This season, the sponsorship package has been increased to MK47 million from last year’s MK40 million, demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to developing netball in the region.