The Malawi National Netball Team, known as the Queens, has secured a spot in the 2027 Netball World Cup. This comes after Africa Netball made changes to the Africa Netball Cup regulations, initially altering the qualification process but later reverting to the original format. The Queens were set to face South Africa in the semi-finals under the initial changes but will now proceed to the World Cup alongside Namibia.
Africa Netball had announced a change in regulations, introducing cross-groups World Cup qualification play-offs. This change led to the Queens being paired against Zimbabwe. However, the continental netball body later issued a statement reinstating the original regulations. This decision allowed Malawi and Namibia to qualify for the World Cup based on the top two teams from each pool advancing to semi-finals and finals.
The return to the initial regulations followed a complaint lodged by the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) with Africa Netball and World Netball. NAM sought clarification on the changes to the qualification criteria published by World Netball before the continental showpiece. The association emphasized the importance of integrity, transparency, and consistent application of the rules governing the qualification process.
According to NAM general secretary Yamikani Kauma, the association did not have the opportunity to formally consider or adopt the proposed changes. Malawi entered the competition based on the qualification criteria published by World Netball. Kauma stressed that NAM's position was not about Malawi's qualification status but about upholding the rules.
Africa Netball acting-president Rebecca Goagoses stated that the decision was made in the interest of the sport. The continental netball body confirmed Malawi's qualification to the 2027 Netball World Cup alongside Namibia. The Queens were initially expected to play South Africa in the semi-finals, which will now take place as scheduled.
The Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier Africa saw Malawi and Namibia emerge as the top teams in their respective pools. World Netball and Africa Netball confirmed that these two teams will be invited to compete at the 2027 Netball World Cup. The competition format determines that the top two teams from each pool advance to semi-finals and finals.
The qualification of Malawi and Namibia for the 2027 Netball World Cup marks a significant achievement for both teams. The Queens' qualification provides an opportunity for Malawi to compete at the highest level in netball. The 2027 Netball World Cup is expected to feature top teams from around the world, and Malawi's participation will be closely watched by netball enthusiasts.
Key points
- Malawi's national netball team, the Queens, have qualified for the 2027 Netball World Cup.
- Africa Netball reverted to the original regulations after a complaint from the Netball Association of Malawi.
- The 2027 Netball World Cup will feature Malawi and Namibia as part of the competing teams.
