MBABANE – Netball Eswatini requires E1 million to send both its men’s and women’s national teams to the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya this September.
The funding challenge was revealed by Netball Eswatini (NESWA) Secretary General Nkabinde Shabalala, who said the association is racing against time to secure the money needed for both teams to compete at the continental showpiece.
“We need about E1 million to send both males and females. This will cater for flight tickets, accommodation, meals and participation fees, among other expenses. We are hoping to get at least E500 000 for one team. That will help,” Shabalala said.
Africa Netball officially launched the 2026 Africa Netball Cup two days ago, confirming Nairobi, Kenya, as the host city for the September 19-26 tournament. The championship will be staged at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, marking the first time Kenya has hosted the continental competition.
The tournament will feature both men’s and women’s competitions, with the women’s event doubling as the Africa qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.
South Africa and Uganda have already secured their World Cup places through the World Netball rankings, leaving two qualification spots available to the highest-placed eligible teams in Nairobi.
The women’s tournament will feature South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Nigeria and Tanzania.
Speaking during the launch, Africa Netball Acting President Rebekka Goagoses said hosting the event in Kenya reflected the sport’s continued growth across the continent.
“Hosting the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya reflects the growing strength and reach of our game. This event brings together the continent’s best teams, but it also carries a wider purpose: to create stronger pathways, inspire young players, and position African netball for sustained success on the global stage,” she said.
The Eswatini Men’s National Netball Team previously proved their dominance, cruising to a 37-28 victory past Kenya. This was during a fiercely contested clash staged at the Griffin Sayenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe, Malawi, as part of their Africa Netball Cup group stage encounters in December last year. Following the win, the locals qualified for the semi-finals, where they clinched bronze.
