The Africa Netball Cup 2025 came to a memorable close at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex, with a packed arena, high-quality netball and a fitting celebration of African excellence across both the men’s and women’s competitions. Attendance throughout the tournament was impressive, with fans turning out in large numbers to support the continent’s finest even on the final day. The concluding fixtures delivered intensity, emotion and clear statements from teams already looking ahead to the future.
MEN’S PLAY-OFF (5th/6th): Uganda vs Botswana
Final Score: Uganda 45 – Botswana 31
Uganda finished their maiden Africa Netball Cup campaign on a positive note, producing a composed and disciplined performance to secure fifth place. Botswana struggled to find rhythm on the day, allowing Uganda to control both tempo and territory.
Post-match, Botswana Men’s Coach Neo Dema reflected candidly: “The analysis of the match is the players didn’t come to the party, so it was a bad day, a bad game for us but we were prepared for it, it didn’t work for us.”
Uganda Men’s Coach Asiimwe Jesse highlighted his team’s growth during the tournament: “My boys came knowing what to do today. We played this team in the preliminary round and we won by one. We came back and as I said we are learning. This tournament is our maiden tournament and we are progressing.”
WOMEN’S PLAY-OFF (3rd/4th): Zimbabwe vs Malawi
Final Score: Zimbabwe 38 – Malawi 33
Zimbabwe claimed third place after a closely fought contest against Malawi. Both sides showed grit and determination but Zimbabwe’s ability to manage the closing stages proved decisive, allowing them to edge ahead and finish the tournament on a high.
MEN’S FINAL: South Africa vs Zimbabwe
Final Score: South Africa 40 – Zimbabwe 29
South Africa once again demonstrated why they remain the benchmark in African men’s netball. The defending champions delivered a controlled and commanding performance to retain their continental crown, closing out an unbeaten campaign.
South Africa Men’s Coach Jabulani Vilane praised his side’s consistency and resilience throughout the competition:
“To be defending champions is never easy but the boys understood the responsibility. They did a phenomenal job and stayed unbeaten.”
WOMEN’S FINAL: South Africa vs Uganda
Final Score: South Africa 56 – Uganda 34
In the women’s final, South Africa produced a dominant display against a spirited Ugandan side. While Uganda showed flashes of quality and physicality, South Africa’s composure in the circle and defensive discipline ensured a comfortable victory and a successful title defence.
South Africa Women’s Coach Jenny van Wyk paid tribute to both the hosts and their opponents: “Thank you to Malawi for hosting such a fantastic Africa Netball Cup in a wonderful arena. So many people came out to support the game today even without Malawi playing. We knew Uganda would make us work all day on the netball court. We knew this game would be won in the circle and we prepared accordingly. Uganda did a phenomenal job considering it was their first time here and they really pushed us hard. Well done to South Africa and thank you to Uganda for a great match.”
Uganda Women’s Coach Rashid Mubiru acknowledged his team’s challenges and the quality of the event: “The match was okay, but we lost some balls and gave South Africa the advantage from the first whistle. The event was very good and well organised. We will go back, make corrections and prepare better for the next tournament.”
*TOURNAMENT WRAP-UP*
The 2025 Africa Netball Cup concluded with both South African teams successfully defending their titles, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition. Credit was also widely given to the organisers, with coaches and officials praising the smooth organisation, strong crowds and vibrant atmosphere that defined the week in Lilongwe.
The tournament not only crowned champions but also highlighted the rapid growth and competitiveness of netball across the continent, setting a strong foundation for future editions.
About the Netball
Association of Malawi
The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) is the official governing body for netball in Malawi, responsible for promoting, developing and managing the sport at national and international levels. NAM oversees grassroots development, national team structures, coaching programmes and the advancement of women’s sport in Malawi. Known for nurturing world-class talent like the Malawi Queens, NAM is committed to creating opportunities for girls and women through sport, while enhancing Malawi’s reputation on the global netball stage.
About Africa Netball Cup 2025
The Africa Netball Cup is the premier continental netball championship, featuring Africa’s top national teams for both male and female competing for supremacy. Established in 2010, the tournament has grown into a highly anticipated showcase of skill, teamwork and African sporting excellence. The 2025 edition, hosted on 08 – 14 December in Lilongwe, Malawi, will bring 9 nations for seven thrilling days of competition, cultural exchange and celebration of Africa’s netball heritage.
