Ten nations battle for continental honours as Africa Netball Cup kicks off in Nairobi

Ten nations are set to battle for continental honours when the Africa Netball Cup gets underway at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday.

The championship brings together South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, hosts Kenya and debutants Nigeria, with the teams targeting both the continental title and qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.

Kenya goal shooter Lydia Nyapere said the tournament presents a special opportunity for players to compete on home soil and make lasting memories.

"We are excited because this is something that is once in a lifetime and anyone would love to be part of it," Nyapere said. "We were born ready. We expect fair play and want to make history by using every opportunity that comes our way."

With the group-stage matches expected to be tightly contested, Nyapere believes Kenya has the ability to progress to the knockout stages.

"Our chances are high to leave the group stages. The last whistle will determine the winner. Everyone wants a win and we believe in ourselves," she added.

Nigeria will provide a new dimension to the championship as the only debutant. Their participation is also significant for West African netball, with Nigeria becoming the first country from the region to compete at the continental championship.

Defending champions South Africa will be seeking to retain the trophy, while Uganda will be looking to reclaim the title they last won in 2018.

Uganda's Mujabi Ephraim expects the tournament to produce a highly competitive contest and believes Uganda and South Africa could meet in the final, although he stopped short of predicting the eventual champion.

"Uganda and South Africa are full of surprises. Each nation has the potential to win the trophy until the final whistle," Mujabi said.

The tournament will also serve as an important qualification pathway to the 2027 Netball World Cup. South Africa and Uganda have already secured their places at the global tournament, leaving the remaining teams to fight for the two additional African qualification slots.