By Suleman Chitera
Malawi’s Under-23 netball side, the Queen Cubs, delivered another commanding performance in the 2026 Telkom Netball League, cruising to a resounding 73-29 victory over Tshukudu during Power Week 1 in Durban, South Africa.
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The emphatic win marks the Cubs’ sixth victory in seven matches, reinforcing their status as one of the most exciting emerging teams in the competition and a rising force in African netball.
Queen Cubs Set the Tone Early
From the opening whistle, Malawi’s young stars imposed their authority, racing to a 20-2 lead in the first quarter. Their defensive discipline and sharp attacking transitions left Tshukudu struggling to gain any foothold in the match.
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By halftime, the scoreboard read 36-9, reflecting the Cubs’ tactical superiority and clinical finishing in the shooting circle.
Relentless Pressure Seals Victory
The dominance continued into the third quarter, with the Queen Cubs extending their lead to 58-18, before sealing a comprehensive 73-29 triumph at full time.
Their fluid ball movement, quick interceptions, and accurate shooting proved too much for Tshukudu, who failed to match Malawi’s pace and intensity throughout the contest.
Mphatso Banda Shines Again
Standout performer Mphatso Banda once again stole the spotlight, earning her second consecutive Player of the Match award. Her influence in both attack and midcourt play was instrumental in maintaining the Cubs’ dominance.
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Banda’s consistency is quickly establishing her as a key player to watch, not only in this tournament but also for the future of Malawi’s senior national team.
Strategic Growth for African Netball
The Queen Cubs’ participation in the Telkom Netball League comes following an invitation from Netball South Africa, aimed at integrating regional teams to enhance competition and accelerate the growth of netball across the continent.
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This initiative is already yielding results, with Malawi’s young squad gaining invaluable exposure against top-tier opposition while showcasing their talent on a larger stage.
What This Means for Malawi Netball
The Cubs’ impressive run signals a bright future for Malawi netball, with a new generation stepping up and proving capable of competing at elite levels. Their performances in Durban not only boost national pride but also strengthen Malawi’s reputation as a powerhouse in African netball.
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As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on the Queen Cubs to see whether they can maintain their momentum and challenge for top honors in the 2026 Telkom Netball League.
