Nine Malawi National Netball Team players are set to make their Commonwealth Games debut following their inclusion into the squad.
The quadrennial games got underway Thursday and will finish on August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.
This year’s event will see the Queens featuring new faces because of the transformation emanating from the team’s natural and tactical overhaul.
Seasoned campaigners such as shooter Joyce Mvula and Jane Chimaliro retired while goalkeeper Towera Vinkhumbo took a break from the sport.
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Other senior players such as Thandi Galeta, Bridget Kumwenda, Grace Mwafulirwa, Shira Dimba and Florence Gamuka have fallen out along the way.
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Out of the 12-member squad, the Queens have shooter Mwawi Kumwenda, centre Takondwa Lwazi and goal-defender Martha Dambo as the only ones with Commonwealth Games experience having been part of the fold for many years.
Another player, Tendai Masamba, was part of the squad for Malawi Queens at 2022 England Commonwealth Games but did not play as veteran Sindie Simtowe was opted for the position.
Also in line to make their maiden appearances in Scotland are Stella Matelezi, Ethel Ng’ambi, Florence Jeke, Melia Soko, Mphatso Banda, Aisha Gama and Sophie Gama.
Goalkeeper-cum-defender Shabel Bengo, having been part of the Queens set up since 2023, is also in line for her debut.
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Speaking before departure, Queens coach Debbie Fuller said the squad was picked following a rigorous selection exercise.
“In the end, the players selected themselves because in March we set the targets and criteria for selection.
They all worked extremely hard to meet these targets. Much of the hard work was done without supervision, which showed self-determination and the appetite to work at the edge of potential.
“The final squad was very competitive. Some exceptional players missed out and remain as non-travelling reserves. So they are part of us as we travel.
The final test was the layer of chemistry in combinations and team balance,” Fuller said.
The former New Zealand assistant coach hopes her charges will be improving with each game as they seek to finish in the top seven.
But netball analyst Neffie Kam’mata warned against placing huge expectations on the team.
“Ideally, the team is under construction with four experienced players expected to be its backbone. There are a lot of youthful players who need support.
Doing well at this competition will be just a bonus,” she said.
