The Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) has applauded Nico Group for spearheading Malawi National Netball Team’s revival at Vitality Nations Cup 2025 in the United Kingdom (UK).

The Queens finished fourth after displaying remarkable progress during the tournament that ran from February 1 to 9 in Nottingham and London.

Nam General Secretary (GS) Yamikani Khungwa- Kauma said the senior netball side was able to produce improved performances at the event courtesy of their sponsors—Nico Group.

“Indeed, we have a plan. The team displayed enhanced cohesion and strategy on the court and also improved on mental toughness. The good thing is that the squad had both experienced players and newcomers, reflecting the ongoing transition within the team,” Khungwa- Kauma said.

The Nam GS said when the Queens left for the UK, they had a plan to improve, in terms of individual and overall team performance.

“One of the plans was to reduce score margins. As you saw, the Queens lost to South Africa by a difference of three baskets, yet they used to beat us with an average difference of 20 to 30 baskets.

“It was a similar case against Uganda, whom we defeated for the first time since 2019. We also lost to England honourably. Above all, the squad had exceptional discipline, hence we had no scandals,” she said.

Khungwa-Kauma said through the current plan, Nam was able to introduce budding players into the senior side.

“We have a plan, indeed, because we had smooth integration of new recruits. One of the highlights was the performance and remarkable adaptability of Tendai Masamba at the back,” she said.

Queens co-coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa felt the team was on the right track as far as the rebuilding exercise was concerned.

“We had a conducive environment for feedback. The team won three out of four friendly matches. During friendlies, the Queens scored 274 and conceded 196 while during the competition, the Queens scored 195 and conceded 215.

“During the friendly matches, youthful shooter Ethel Ng’ambi achieved 100 percent shooting accuracy and her average shooting accuracy during the competition was 91.5 percent.

“On the other hand, Joyce Mvula and Ethel maintained an overall shooting accuracy of 90 percent throughout the tournament. During friendly matches, Joyce recorded 94 percent accuracy and 85 percent in the competition,” Chawinga-Kaluwa said.

The coach said another newcomer, Ruth Kaliyenda, achieved 54 percent shooting accuracy during friendlies whereas Masamba was equally lethal in attack, attaining 84 percent.

“Despite occasional challenges in maintaining mental toughness, consistency and concentration, the shooters demonstrated remarkable confidence, excellent circle awareness and strong communication skills. Their overall performance was impressive, with 80 percent of their s