Kenya’s National Netball Team Queens Clinch First Africa Title in 18 Years

Kenya’s netball team, the *Queens*, ended an 18-year continental drought by winning the 2025 Africa Netball Cup in Pretoria on May 4, 2025—defeating hosts South Africa 52–49 in a nail-biting final. Captain Mary Cholhok anchored defense with 8 interceptions, while rising star 19-year-old center Sharon Chepchumba dictated tempo with 38 goal assists. The victory—Kenya’s first since 2007—was built on a year-long residency camp in Eldoret and video analysis partnerships with Australia’s Diamonds. Celebrations erupted from Kibera to Kisii, with fans flooding Uhuru Park in Nairobi. Netball Kenya announced a KSh 60 million investment in 10 regional academies and school outreach. CBN secured a 3-year broadcast deal, and Safaricom launched Goal for Queens data bundles. We didn’t just win a trophy—we reignited a nation’s belief, said coach Edith Mukuvilani. The team now targets Commonwealth Games 2026 and World Cup 2027 qualification.