Leadership driving African netball’s future

Across African netball, a new era is taking shape, defined by stronger governance, increased commercial awareness and a growing alignment with global developments in women’s sport.

This progress will come into sharper focus when Kenya hosts the Africa Netball Cup for the first time at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi from 19 to 26 September.

As the continent prepares for one of its most important netball competitions, the journeys of Joan Smit and Khungekile Matiya demonstrate the leadership, development systems and strategic administrative thinking required to support the game’s continued growth.

Their contributions are distinct yet complementary, reflecting how African netball has evolved from participation-driven programmes into a more structured sporting environment connecting grassroots development, elite competition and long-term sustainability.

From player to continental development leader