Netball Zambia has pulled both its men’s and women’s national teams from the 2025 Africa Netball Cup in Lilongwe, Malawi, citing financial constraints.
The association announced Sunday it could not raise the K1,200,000 required for the teams to compete at the December 8-14 tournament despite sustained efforts to secure sponsorship.
Secretary General Pritchard Ngoma said the decision was made reluctantly to avoid potential penalties from last-minute withdrawal.
He has expressed disappointment that extensive resource mobilization efforts had failed at this advanced stage.
Ngoma has further said that his side had done everything within their means to mobilise resources, but could no longer hold on to the hope of a last-minute sponsor.
The withdrawal deals a particular blow to the women’s team, which claimed Zambia’s first Africa Netball Cup title in 2023.
The historic victory had raised hopes for a strong title defense.
Ngoma has since thanked athletes and supporters for their dedication while expressing optimism about future participation.
The announcement comes just two weeks before the continental championship, where Zambia was expected to field competitive squads in both categories.
By Canaan Siame.
