Africa Netball acting president Rebecca Goagoses has raised concerns over African states’ poor turnout at the ongoing Africa Netball Cup in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The 2025 edition of the Africa Netball Cup is being contested by nine countries only.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony in Lilongwe, Goagoses said: “Today we have nine countries, and I’m so happy the honourable minister of youth, sport and culture, Patricia Wiskes, is present.
“I would like her to send this message to her fellow counterparts in Africa: Why are we having only nine countries when Africa has 54 countries?” she asked.
“Where is Ghana, where is Cameroon? Could our sport leaders please support netball in Africa?”
Goagoses said the sport is equal for the boys and girls on the continent.
“We are here to build, so we need to create opportunities for our athletes. We are building a continental athlete framework, ensuring accessibility, safeguarding and protection for all.”
Netball Association of Malawi president Vitumbiko Gubuduza welcomed the athletes and officials to Malawi, also known as ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’.
She reminded the athletes that the Africa Netball Cup is their moment to shine, and that Malawi is proud to host them.
“This tournament carries a deeper purpose we have chosen as our theme: ‘Unite, Build and Rise’,” she said.
Gubuduza said netball is on the verge of becoming an Olympic sport.
“If we unite, we will definitely build and rise,” she said.
“This bid is strong. The momentum is real and Africa must take part,” she said.
Malawi’s minister of sport, Wiskes, said: “I am proud that Malawi has been entrusted with the privilege of hosting this prestigious event.
“The theme tells all the teams they should unite, build and rise to put Africa on the map. I am here to express my deepest gratitude to Africa Netball for choosing Malawi as the host nation.
“This demonstrates the confidence in us and this is testament to the progress that our country continues to make in advancing sport in Malawi.”
The countries competing at this year’s Africa Netball Cup in Lilongwe are Botswana, South Africa, Malawi, Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Namibia meanwhile lost their opening match 48-36 to Zimbabwe on Monday, and followed that up with a 42-42 draw against Kenya on Wednesday.
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