Africa Netball Cup: Focus turns to governance ahead of Nairobi event

What the report says

As the 2026 Africa Netball Cup nears, the continental netball leadership is emphasizing governance, financial accountability and athlete welfare in the build-up to the event, according to The Observer. The tournament is scheduled for September 19 to 26 at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi and is expected to feature 10 countries, including Uganda.

The report says the preparations are being guided by a steering team that includes Zambia’s Martha Lungu-Sichone, Botswana’s Malebo Raditladi-Nkgakile, Namibia’s Rebekka Goagoses, World Netball’s Africa representative Joan Smit and National Olympic Committee of Kenya president Shadrack Maluki. The article highlights Lungu-Sichone’s long background in netball administration and quotes her saying strong governance is essential for trust and accountability in sport. It also notes Raditladi-Nkgakile’s experience as a former athlete and umpire, along with her work in Botswana netball leadership.

The Nairobi event will also serve as the African qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney. The Observer says Uganda and South Africa have already qualified for that global tournament, but both will still compete for continental honours in Nairobi. More broadly, the focus on governance reflects a push to strengthen administration around major African netball events, a theme that may matter for transparency, funding and long-term development of the sport.