Malawi Queens, SA face-off after opening wins
Continental rivals Malawi Queens and South Africa are set to clash Wednesday evening in a bid to maintain their winning run in the Netball Diamond Challenge currently underway at Ugu Sports Centre in Margate, South Africa.
In matches monitored on Supersport 4, both teams started on a winning note with the hosts, South Africa, beating Zambia 63-38 while the Queens defeated Uganda 51-40.
Struggling Queens narrowly led the first quarter 15-11 before extending the lead to 30-18 at half time. The Queens’ lead was, however, reduced by two baskets in the third quarter which ended 40-30 in favour of Malawi.
The introduction of Rose Saili and Martha Dambo for Thandi Galeta and Grace Mhango disturbed Queens’ attacking rhythm and the duo was recalled at the start of the fourth quarter. Lauren Ngwira was also introduced for Joyce Mvula and later on Sindie Simtowe paved way for Cecilia Mtukule. Uganda’s towering shooter Peace Proscovia was voted player-of-the match.
The game obviously gave new Queens coach Peace Chawinga- Kaluwa food for thought as coordination was poor. The defenders gave away some balls and at times centre-court players and attackers failed to combine.
Meanwhile, South Africa and Malawi will face-off in the first match Wednesday. The fixture set up is similar to the one in 2013 when the two sides met twice. Malawi won the first game but lost the final match to South Africa to miss the Diamond Challenge title.
In another fixture, Zambia will meet Uganda.
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