Tag Archives: Netball Association of Malawi (Nam)

Netball, Sports

NAM names squad for 2025 Africa Netball tourney

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE–(MaraviPost)-The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has geared up with preparations for the 2025 African Netball tournament by naming a 20-member provisional squad.

The country will host the competition from 8-14 December at the Griffin Saenda Indoor Sports Complex in Lilongwe.

Head coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua has retained several experienced players while introducing promising new faces as part of the team’s rebuilding strategy.

Former Manchester Thunder and current Leeds Rhinos star Joyce Mvula leads the shooting department alongside Florence Jeke and Cynthia Khunga. They are joined by Stella Matelezi and Chimwemwe Dzanja.

In midcourt, Chawinga has called up veterans Takondwa Lwazi, Thandie Galeta and Bridget Kumwenda, along with newcomers Florence Gamuka, Idesi Zechariah and Meria Soko.

The defensive unit features Mphatso Kanyimbo, Shabel Bengo and Martha Dambo, complemented by Chifuniro Moses, Aisha Gama, Tendai Masamba and Grace Chimbiri.

NAM General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa-Kauma revealed the team is expected to begin camping on Sunday.

The Queens last hosted the African Netball tournament in 2013 in Blantyre, where they emerged victorious. Thirteen years later, they will be looking to replicate that feat on home soil.

Besides hosts Malawi, ten other nations will compete: Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Uganda, Lesotho, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania and Botswana.

Peace Chawinga-Kalua will lead the technical panel alongside assistant coach Madano Tepheteya.

Beatrice Mpinganjira serves as fitness trainer, while Trisser Mailosi is the team manager.

Netball, Sports

NAM emphasizes merit-based leadership

Jones Gadama

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) held its elective general assembly in the capital Lilongwe, emphasizing the importance of voting on merit to ensure the future success of netball in the country.

In her opening speech, NAM President Vitumbiko Gubuduza urged members to prioritize the sport’s development by electing leaders who will drive positive change.

“Voting is crucial as it determines the future of netball in our country,” Gubuduza said. “I urge you to vote on merit, ensuring the right people take office and make meaningful contributions.

Let’s elect leaders who will prioritize ideas over personal benefits and foster servant leadership.”

Gubuduza’s call for merit-based leadership aligns with NAM’s efforts to develop a strong national netball team.

Recently, the association identified over 200 talented players through a scouting exercise, marking a significant step towards building a competitive team.

The exercise, supported by Nico Group of Companies, aimed to target girls aged 15-24 with a minimum height of 1.7 meters.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has commended NAM for promoting good governance through its annual general meeting, where affiliate voices are heard and valued.

Ministry spokesperson Macmillan Mwale expressed enthusiasm about working with the new committee, saying, “We look forward to new office bearers who will take the sport forward by building on existing foundations for the country’s benefit.”

As NAM embarked on this leadership transition, the association’s efforts to develop netball in Malawi are commendable.

With continued investment and support, the national team can become a force to be reckoned with in international competitions.

The upcoming leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the sport’s future in Malawi.

Netball, Sports

Vitumbiko Gubuduza set for unopposed re-election as NAM President amid legal twist

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Vitumbiko Gubuduza is poised to retain his presidency at the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) without contest, following the unexpected withdrawal of his sole challenger, Carol Bapu, ahead of the elections slated for August 23, 2025, in Lilongwe.

Bapu, a former general secretary of NAM, had expressed intent to contest for the presidency but has now opted out after deciding not to pursue a legal route over a contentious eligibility issue.

She had questioned the interpretation of the NAM constitution regarding term limits and the eligibility of former office bearers to seek re-election.

At the center of the dispute was a clause in the NAM constitution that appears to restrict former office bearers from vying for new positions.

According to Bapu, the rule should apply only to individuals seeking re-election in the same position, not those aspiring for a different role like she was.

However, Gubuduza’s camp interpreted the provision to mean any former executive member who has served two consecutive terms is disqualified from holding any leadership post, effectively barring Bapu from contesting.

In a statement, Bapu confirmed she would not proceed to court to challenge the matter, citing the need to preserve unity in the netball fraternity and avoid protracted legal battles that could distract from the sport’s development.

Bapu stepping aside, Gubuduza now remains unchallenged and is expected to be declared president for another term at the upcoming elective conference.

Sports

Sports pundits hail Chakwera’s regime for direct funding for FAM, NAM

Maravi Post Reporter

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera’s Government has been hailed for its “wise” decision to directly pump in over one billion kwacha as well as 750 million into Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) for the National Teams

Through Ministry of Youth and Sports, government has allocated K1.1 billion for FAM and MK750 million for NAM so that the national teams can actively participate in various international competitions thereby fulfilling its commitments on competitions.

According to government, the development is part of the reforms that the current administration has put in place in order to improve sports activities in the country.

In the past, the national teams budgets were not properly defined within the Sports Councils allocation and this is a major shift which sports lovers have commended President Chakwera for.

Many sports lovers have been against the old system saying it was delaying and killing sports activities.

Reacting to the development, some sports lovers said the decision will bring a big positive impact to the country as far as football and netball is concerned.

A renowned online sports journalist, Andrew Mwenelupembe said the decision has shown that the Chakwera’s government is serious when it comes to improving sports activities in the country.

“We have been crying for this for a long. This is the only way of improving our sports activities. National teams budgets should not be tampered with anyhow and this will be a huge motivation for the players as now they sure of participation in the competitions.On this one, let me commend government for the decision. We know it was not simple,” said Mwenelupembe.

Another sports diehard, Paul Mbukwa while praising government said the decision has come up at a right time when both FAM and NAM are in big international games.

Mbukwa asked other Ministries to emulate what the Ministry of Youths and Sports has done.

In number of social media platforms, Malawians advised FAM and NAM utilize the development.

Minister of Youths and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire in a phone interview said “I’m grateful to President Lazarus Chakwera for his guidance on the same. He has proven to be a listening leader and very supportive.”

FAM President, Fleetwood Haiya is also on record asking government on the same.

Sports

23 graduate as netball level 3 coaches

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The 23 netball coaches in the central region have graduated to level three (3) after successfully undergoing a one-week long training at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. The training started on Monday, February 24, and concluded today, Sunday, 2nd March.

The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) General Secretary, Yamikani Kauma Khungwa has challenged the 23 to help the body in nurturing and grooming the hidden talent. Starting in the ages of 5-17 years.

“Since it’s the first level of netball coaching in the country, we anticipate the coaches to work hard in developing the sport from the grassroots, ranging from the ages of 5-17. Developing skills to the upcoming stars among other things.

“Let me thank Cecilia Mtukuke for organizing the course as it is inline with our objectives to have more coaches in the land”, Kauma said.

Kauma further disclosed that, they have also organized level 2 netball coaching course across the country as follows; Central region from 10th to 19th March, 2025 at Bingu National Stadium.

Southern Region the course will run from 24th-2nd April at Blantyre Youth Centre while in the Northern Region the course will take place at Katoto Secondary School from 7th to 16th March, 2025.

The eligible coaches for the course are required to pay MK40,000 five days prior to the start of the training, they must be holders of level 3, Africa-level, or Malawi Gold, Silver, or Bronze certificates actively coaching a team.

Netball, Sports

Nam lauds MPICO for MK24m central region netball league

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has lauded MPICO Plc for returning Central Region netball championship sponsorship.

Association’s General Secretary Isaac Chimwala made the remarks on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at MPICO Gateway Mall boardroom when the company unveiled the MK24 million Central Region Netball League sponsorship.

“This is a very exciting news considering that there has been a drought in the central region in terms of sponsorship. The region has been the hub for talent that feeds into the national team. I will mention names like Takondwa Lwazi and Joyce Mvula, they all come from Central region and this is so because we had MPICO very active.

“We had a break as Covid-19 played its tricks, but now that they are back with a bang we are so excited as we know that the foundation is now solid hence we thank the management of MPICO for this timely sponsorship and we know the future is more than bright”, Chimwala said.

Daniel Nyirenda the vice General Secretary for Central Region Netball Committee vowed to use the sponsorship package for its intended purpose so that they impress the sponsors with an aim of maintaining them next year.

In his speech head of property Services at MPICO plc Elliot Jambo said this initiative aims to complement the Government’s efforts in sports development and create an enabling environment for the girls to thrive, empowering them through netball.

“As the Gateway Mall we are committed to sponsor this annual event as our contribution to positively impact young girls in the country through sports development. We believe the Central Region netball committee will continue being transparent. We expect netball to grow in the region and Malawi through this Sponsorship”, Said Nyirenda.

MPICO plc has been sponsoring the Central Region Netball League since 2016 with the MK10.5 million investment.

The company has so far pumped in over MK144 million to the netball sponsorship since they started and only Central Region teams take part.

Blue Eagles Netball team are the current defending champions of the league.

Malawi, Netball, Sports

Sports Analyst Nyirenda cautions NAM’s 15 youngster players inclusion for world cup preps

Maravi Post Reporter

……Aren’t we placing the cart before horse?…..

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has released names of 25 players to start preparations for the 2023 Netball World Cup slated for South Africa between July 28th to 6th August 2023.

However, out of the total number 15 players are from developmental teams, Under 17,19,20 and under 23 which has shocked the veteran sports analyst Charles Nyirenda.

Nyirenda observes that NAM is placing the cart before the horse.

“How do we talk of players from basically nowhere getting picked for a serious assignment World cup with National team side? How long does it take to groom someone to become a notable commodity in the National team? Any way let me comment when the final list comes out”, wonders Nyirenda.

“I have been following the developments in netball, the association seems to run out of options because the players who are overseas are ageing together and something has to be done fast on the domestic front to fill the gap. I consider this call up as a means of exposing future stars and bringing them to camp is the 1st step of slow albeit gradual integration”, he added.

The camp is expected to start from February 26 to March 10, 2023 in Blantyre.

NAM Technical Director Samuel Kanyenda said the association scouted youngsters into the squad following trials conducted in Lilongwe fortnight ago.

“We play fast game than our counterparts in the world hence the inclusion of the youthful players who have shown those characters”, says Kanyenda.

Kanyenda also added that the association is closely monitoring professionals for national team call up ahead of world cup games saying are performing in their respective clubs.

The full list of the 25 players is as follows:

Defenders Laureen Ngwira (Tigresses) Grace Mwafulirwa (Tigresses) Juliet Sambo (Blue Eagles)Beauty Basiao (Tigresses) Chifuniro Moses (Blue Eagles)Shabelo Bengo (Kukoma Diamonds) Maggie Sikwese (Blue Eagles)Martha Dambo (Tigresses).

Mid court Alice Mvula (Blue Eagles)Lusako Mhango (Civonets) Thandie Galeta (Lioness)Florence Gamuka (Shizaella)Flora Chipeta (Tigresses) Takondwa Lwazi (Blue Eagles)Marvis Msunguma (Lioness) Lellie Banda (Tigresses)Eluby Chikooka (Civonets) Shira Dimba (Kukoma Diamonds).

Shooters Alinafe Kamwala (MAFCO) Nancy Njawala (Blue Eagles)Salomy Nkhoma (Blue Eagles)(Brenda Kapira (Tigresses)Sindi Simtowe (Tigress) Jane Chimaliro (Civonets) and the 2022 Region 5 Youth games best shooter Stella Matelezi of Blue Eagles

Malawi, Other Sports, Sports

Griffin Saenda back into Malawi Queen’ backroom staff, Whyte Mulilima deputises him, Mary Waya left out

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) has recalled veteran Coach, Griffin Saenda Senior, to take charge of Malawi national netball team during Commonwealth Games slated for Gold Coast, Queensland in Australia from April 4 to 15.

Civonets Coach, Whyte Mulilima, who guided his side to GOtv Netball Champions League glory last year, will deputise Saenda.

The appointments mean that Nam has left out caretaker coach, Mary Waya, who endured a winless run in 10 consecutive games during the 2017 Fast5 Netball World Series in Australia and test matches against England.

Nam General Secretary, Carol Bapu, confirmed the appointments, saying they were done on merit after the association’s Executive Committee members agreed at its recent meeting.

“It is true that Mr Saenda and Mr Whyte Mulilima will be taking charge of the team during the Commonwealth Games. Thereafter, we will meet to discuss a long-term project. As a matter of fact, Mr Saenda missed last year’s events because he wasn’t feeling well,” she said.

As we went to press, Saenda and Mulilima were expected to sign contracts after receiving official offer letters.

Bapu said they would, later this week, release a detailed programme of the Queens’ camp and funding activities.

Saenda said he was glad to return to national team, having missed last year’s engagements.

“As I said earlier on, I was hurt when the team performed poorly. I would have loved to see the team dying [losing] while fighting. But that time, I was unwell and I could not offer tips to my colleagues. Get me clear, I am not saying that [if I were in charge], we could have won all games but certainly not lose all games,” he said.

The Kukoma Diamonds’ mentor said he assured Nam’s officials that he was fit.

“I will outline my training plans once I sign a contract,” he said.

Mulilima said he was delighted to be retained as assistant coach after deputising Waya during the three test matches against England.

Waya however could not be reached for a comment on the development.