Netball Zambia, in partnership with the Netball Association of Malawi, has officially announced a captivating three-match international friendly series between the Zambia Under-21 and Malawi Under-21 national netball teams. Scheduled to take place from August 1 to 3, 2025, at the OYDC Zambia Sports Development Centre in Lusaka, the series promises high-intensity action and a glimpse into Africa’s rising netball talent.
This highly anticipated matchup is more than just a friendly—it will act as a crucial warm-up for both teams ahead of the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, which will be held in Gibraltar from September 19 to 28. The upcoming matches aim to sharpen tactical approaches, boost squad cohesion, and test the mental resilience of the two Southern African netball powerhouses.
The series will provide players with much-needed international exposure and competitive match experience as they prepare to face the world’s best youth netball teams later this year. Coaches from both Zambia and Malawi are expected to use the opportunity to evaluate player combinations, assess strategies under pressure, and make final adjustments before the global tournament kicks off.
Fans attending the games at OYDC in Lusaka can look forward to fast-paced, physical contests as both nations bring their A-game. Malawi’s Under-21 side is known for its flair, precision passing, and agility on court, while Zambia’s squad has steadily gained momentum, impressing regional observers with their fitness, discipline, and tactical maturity.
Hosting the series is also a boost for Zambia’s netball development, showcasing the country’s readiness to support elite youth sport. The OYDC venue, with its world-class facilities, provides the perfect backdrop for high-level international netball and underlines Netball Zambia’s commitment to nurturing young talent through exposure and structured competition.
This international series also reflects the growing strength of netball in Africa, where regional collaboration is increasingly playing a pivotal role in raising standards and preparing teams for global contests. With both teams hungry for success on the world stage, the friendly matches are expected to be anything but friendly on the court.
As the countdown begins to the World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, the Zambia-Malawi U21 series will offer a valuable preview of the skill, energy, and determination that these young athletes will bring to the global stage. Spectators in Lusaka and netball fans across the continent will be watching closely as these future stars battle it out in what promises to be an electrifying three-day encounter.