Malawi's Under-23 netball team, the Queen Cubs, arrives in Durban for the Telkom Netball League Power Week.
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Durban will take centre stage this week as Malawi’s next generation of netball talent arrives in the city for the Telkom Netball League (TNL) Power Week 1, with the coastal hub set to provide the perfect platform for their growth.
The Mukuru-backed Malawi Under-23 side, the Queen Cubs, touched down in Durban on Tuesday ahead of the tournament, which tips off on 24 April at the Durban University of Technology.
The city will host a youthful Malawian squad that includes two exciting 17-year-olds, Grace Mwanza and Lukia Thonje, underlining the visitors’ long-term ambitions.
For Durban’s netball community, the tournament offers not just elite competition but also a front-row seat to emerging international talent eager to test themselves against South Africa’s best.
The Golden Fireballs, who secured their second TNL title last season, will look to defend their crown and unbeaten run in 2025.
The Fireballs boast top talents like Owethu Ngubane and Tarle Mathe as they continue their dominance.
Vice President of the Netball Association of Malawi, Tadala Billie, confirmed that the squad selection reflects a deliberate focus on youth development.
“This is an Under-23 developmental squad, and we’ve deliberately included girls as young as 17,” Billie told Sunday World.
“As we rebuild the Malawi Queens, we are looking ahead to major tournaments like the World Cup. Starting with them at this age means they’ll grow into the system with the energy and readiness we need for the future.”
Head Coach Joanna Kachilika believes Durban’s competitive environment will be key to accelerating that growth.
“This is a development team, so it’s important for them to showcase their talent,” she said.
“Playing in the Telkom League, even in friendly matches, gives them invaluable exposure against strong South African opposition.”
With Durban hosting a packed schedule, the Queen Cubs will open their campaign against KD Queens on Friday before facing Baobabs on Sunday, forming part of eight fixtures lined up during the week-long event.
Captain Mphatso Banda highlighted the significance of competing in a city known for staging top-tier sporting events.
“We’re a group of young girls passionate about the game, and for Mukuru to do this for us really means a lot,” Banda said.
“For some of the players, this is their first trip outside Malawi, and competing here in Durban makes a huge difference.”
Beyond the court, Durban’s role as host reflects the growing stature of the TNL as a regional hub for talent development, with international teams increasingly looking to South Africa for high-performance exposure.
Mukuru’s marketing and partnerships lead, Taleetha Bowler, said the investment is already making waves across the sport.
“Netball doesn’t receive the same level of funding as football, but through our sponsorship, we’ve seen a meaningful shift.
It has helped open doors for other organisations to come on board and support the game,” Bowler said.
She added that initiatives like this extend beyond sport, particularly for young players visiting cities like Durban for the first time.
“It’s not just about developing athletes; it’s about empowering them. It’s exciting to see girls as young as 17 receiving this kind of exposure.
These girls are uplifting themselves and their families, and opportunities like this exposure in South Africa are part of that journey.”