African netball teams prepare for World Cup qualifiers in Kenya

African netball teams are preparing for the Africa Netball Cup, scheduled to take place in Kenya from September 19 to 26. The tournament serves as a critical qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.

Nigeria’s national team, the Green Hawks, will compete in Pool 2 alongside Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, and the host nation, Kenya. Head coach Alison Akinrinsola stated that the team aims to compete for a World Cup spot following intensive preparations, including training in London and matches against Jamaica, Pakistan, and Scotland.

The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has set dual objectives for its team, the Queens: securing a top-three finish in the Africa Netball Cup and qualifying for the 2027 World Cup. NAM Secretary General Yamikani Kauma confirmed that international player Mwawi Kumwenda will be available for the tournament. Under current rules, the top six ranked teams and the tournament host qualify automatically, while the remaining ten spots are contested through continental qualifiers.