Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) has secured three friendly games for the Malawi under-21 National Netball Team against neighbours Zambia in preparation for the World Netball Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
The global competition is scheduled for September 20-29.
Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa said the friendlies will be played between August 1 and 3 in Lusaka, Zambia.
Khungwa said the games will help them perfect the team for the world stage.
“We engaged three countries including Namibia but it is Zambia who accepted our proposal. As Nam, we are happy as the games will also help us know Zambia better ahead of the games as they, alongside South Africa, also qualified for the World Cup,” she said.
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Meanwhile, under-21 coach Noel Musa hailed Nam for securing the friendlies, saying the games will help the girls attain more experience ahead of the games.
“We have had two separate camps which have kept our players in shape ahead of the September games. We needed such friendlies for our players to gel and gain more exposure. We need to prepare them for the heat that comes with international games at this stage. So this is the rightful moment for us,” Musa said.
He said his charges had gone into camp from June 15-29 and will regroup for the friendlies.
Included in the squad were some of the players scouted during an exercise sponsored by Nico.
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The squad is as follows:
Shooters-Stella Matelezi (Blue Eagles), Ida Mhone (Kukoma Diamonds), Getrude Makanganya (Cedar Queens), Florence Jeke (Civonets), Shira Nkhoma (Vanessa Sisters)
Mid Court players- Melia Soko (Vanessa), Adija Juma (Tigresses), Lyness Mdulamitu (Prison Queens), Mestina Mtete (Tigresses), Alinafe Chaima (Young Eagles).
Defenders-Esther Phiri (Giants NC), Aisha Gama (Eagles), Christina Type (Pacers), Chimwemwe Dzanja (Lioness), Elina Chigwe (Diamonds), Joyce Magaitsa (Boma Stars), Martha Matupi (Vanessa), Chawanangwa Msiska (Mzimba Queens), Martha Makoloni (Vanessa).
Nico scouting squad- Nancy Lipenga (Moyale Barracks), Sarafina Mhango (Karonga Queens), Tabitha Msukwa (Mafco Soldiers) and Ivy Kachinjika (Vanessa).
Technical panel
Mussa (head coach),
Christina Mkwanda (assistant coach)
Anne Kapatuka (team manager)
Getrude Chilemba (team doctor)
Vincent Shombe (fitness trainer)
