By Peter Fote in Cape Town, South Africa:
Malawi National Netball Team has been given food for thought after finishing on seventh place in the 2023 Netball World Cup finals following their 64-54 victory over Tonga Nation in Cape Town, South Africa, Sunday.
Queens interim coach Samuel Kanyenda said they need to review the team’s performance ahead of future tournaments.
“We are happy with the win. Yes, we failed to remain in the top six at this competition but seventh is a solace. The players were super.
“However, we need to get back to the drawing board when we go back home to look for tall players as you saw most players here are tall. We will have to go into both immediate and long-term plans in order to build a strong team for the next World Cup,” he said.
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During Sunday’s placing match, the Queens buried all the bad memories of their loss to Uganda and vented all their anger on resilient Tonga.
Goal-attacker Mwawi Kumwenda and goal-shooter Joyce Mvula and centre court player Takondwa Lwazi were outstanding in the match, which was tight in the first and third quarters.
At the end of the first quarter, Malawi narrowly led 17-16 before opening a four basket lead at half time when they led 33-29.
The third quarter was more intense as Tonga came strongly after resting shooter Palavi Naquee for Poli Makea, who troubled Malawi’s defence of Towera Vinkhumbo and Lauren Ngwira.
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Tonga narrowed Malawi’s lead to 45-44 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Queens woke up from their slumber as Mwawi and Mvula combined perfectly.
At the end of the match, Kumwenda picked her second player of the tournament award.
Queens captain Jane Chimaliro said finishing on seventh position was a consolation for the nation.
“We wanted to finish at least in the top six but seven is not bad because all the teams have improved,” she said.
On her part, Lwazi, who announced her retirement soon after the match, called for a deep bench to refresh the side.
“I am happy to have played my role for, the Queens here but we need more attackers on the bench.
“At midcourt, there were only two of us, myself and Thandi Galeta.
“We were forcing ourselves to continue playing after sustaining injuries. Every time we were taken out due to injuries, the team was struggling because the other players are not natural born midcourt players,” she said.
In a position five and sixth playoff, Uganda stunned hosts South Africa to finish fifth, the first time for the She-Cranes.
Australia defeated England 61-45 to win the championship for the 12th time.
Jamaica has claimed bronze with a 52-45 win over New Zealand, relegating the Silver Ferns to their worst ever result.
