Reviewed by Peter KanjereMalawi sports betting writer
Published 12 October 2026
NICO Group has raised its sponsorship of the One NICO Top 12 Netball Cup from K60 million to K75 million for the competition’s second edition, which was launched at the Blantyre Sports Arena.
The Southern Region playoffs ran from Friday to Sunday 11 October 2026.
The second edition
The second edition was formally launched on Saturday 10 October 2026, at the Blantyre Sports Arena.
Taweni Gondwe Xaba, head of marketing and customer experience at NICO Group, said the competition is part of the career pathway for the girls. She said the company is satisfied with the progress the sport has made since it began backing the tournament, and that the rise from K60 million to K75 million shows the commitment of NICO Group to netball and supports the strategy of the Netball Association of Malawi to rebuild the game.
She said the tournament is becoming an important platform for young female players and that continued growth could help Malawian players secure better deals abroad.
What the association said
Vitumbiko Gubuduza, president of the Netball Association of Malawi, praised the continued investment and said the sponsorship has strengthened the overall structure of the sport. She named umpire training as a part of the game that has benefited.
Isaac Jomo Osman, the mayor of Blantyre City, was guest of honour at the launch. He welcomed the initiative and said the partnership shows the value of investing in sport.
Blue Eagles of Lilongwe won the first edition of the cup, beating Kukoma Diamonds of Blantyre 37-29 in the final.
