Get to Know Electrify Netball Academy

Background

Electrify Netball Academy is an athletic establishment that prioritizes the advancement of female empowerment and the development of netball abilities among both new and seasoned athletes across different age groups.

Primarily founded to empower and foster athletes' passion for netball, ENA also creates a community of women that equip each other with transferable everyday skills.

The academy serves female athletes of varying age groups (ranging from toddlers to older adults) and netball proficiency through its programs; which include but are not limited to athlete management, coaching development, professional netball training, as well as recreational initiatives.

The primary values of the academy are anchored by the acronym: DARE TO DREAM - which advocates, calls and instils the values of being Disciplined, Resilient, Enthusiastic, Ambitious and Motivated.

Values

Founder's Message

Hi, I’m Monica Phiri — founder of Electrify Netball Academy.

I’ve loved netball since I was 8 years old, playing in the third grade and dreaming of going pro. Starting an academy was never part of the plan but as I grew older, I realized netball wasn’t just a game - it was a safe space & I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. So many girls and young women needed a platform. A place to feel seen, supported, and empowered. That’s exactly why Electrify was born: to create that space for those who never had one.

I delayed this dream for over three years because of fear, doubt, and anxiety. However, looking back, I truly believe God made me wait for a reason. The journey hasn’t been easy & there have been moments I wanted to give up. But I’ve held onto the belief that if even one girl found purpose or healing through Electrify, it would all be worth it.

Electrify is more than an academy. It’s a community. A movement. A place where we train hard, lift each other up, and grow into stronger players and even stronger people.

Thank you to everyone who’s poured love into this vision. Electrify exists because of your belief.

We’re just getting started.

Welcome to the court.

Our strength lies in our brilliant staff who make the academy a hospitable place for everyone and build stronger bonds with all the players.

Meet The Team

Thandiwe Pandala
Club Manager

Thandiwe Pandala, a passionate and purpose-driven young woman in her mid-twenties, has been serving as Club Manager since October 2024 and has been an exceptional part of the team. With a background in tech and a heart for empowering others, she thrives in roles that blend leadership, organisation, and impact—whether teaching children about Jesus, energising a netball court, or managing behind-the-scenes operations. Thandiwe brings heart, faith, and excellence to everything she does, creating spaces where both adults and children feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.

Emmanuel Mwanza
Head Coach

Emmanuel Mwanza is a highly experienced and dynamic netball coach with over nine years of coaching success across school, club, and representative levels. Known for his tactical insight, motivational leadership, and player-focused approach, he brings a wealth of on-court experience and technical expertise—particularly in midcourt strategy, team defense systems, and game-day preparation.

As Head Coach of the club and a core academy coach since its launch, Emmanuel has been an invaluable part of the team. He holds certifications in advanced coaching, athlete development, and sports fitness leadership, and is deeply committed to growing the sport through inclusive, disciplined, and impactful coaching.

Brighton 'Coach B' Mumba
Academy Coach

Brighton Mumba began his netball journey in 2016 as a player with Mtendere and quickly transitioned into coaching and officiating roles. In 2017, he began coaching with Golden Angels Netball Club, and by 2018, he had joined the Lusaka Community Youth League as an umpire while completing his Level 1 Coaching Course. He went on to complete the Umpires Netball Course in 2019.

In 2021, Brighton joined Red Arrows Netball Club as both a coach and umpire, later moving to Lusaka City Council in 2023 as an assistant coach until 2024. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Club Coach and an Academy Coach, playing a key role in player development and training. His passion for netball comes from the healthy lifestyle it promotes and the opportunities it has given him to travel across Zambia and beyond. Brighton is a dedicated and versatile member of the team, contributing greatly through his coaching, umpiring, and deep love for the game.