Malawi National Netball Team faces a daunting task in their quest to break into the top four when they date number one ranked Australia in a 2023 Netball World Cup finals Pool F match at Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa.
The Queens warmed up for the match with a 62-48 victory over 19th ranked Fiji in a stage two match of the competition Monday.
Australia-based shooter Mwawi Kumwenda, who was named player of the match after the Queens defeated Fiji, warned against laxity and slow approach when facing the Diamonds.
“I cannot wait to play against my fellow teammates from Melbourne Vixens, where I play. They are quick. They have a lot of stamina and endurance. We need to be ready to run the entire game but we will try to push for a result,” she said.
Her compatriot and goalkeeper Towera Vinkhumbo said the sixth ranked Queens must improve in defence to contain the top ranked side.
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“They are World champions. They play a fast passing game. We need to be on top of our game and mark every player if we are to do better,” she said.
The two players made the remarks after the Queens struggled against Fiji Monday.
Ironically, the Queens defeated Fiji 60-49 in a practice match on July 24.
Kumwenda and Joyce Mvula partnered well upfront, giving Malawi a 20-10 lead at the end of the first quarter but the Queens’ defence struggled to tame fast Fiji shooters Rusivakula Malania and Rauluni Maliana.
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At half time, the Queens led 36-23.
Queens interim coach Samuel Kanyenda, in a post-match interview, said the team did not perform as he expected them due to the friendly they played against the same opponents.
“We need to be compact in the middle and be quick. We must avoid unnecessary loss of balls against Australia. We can win if we play our cards well.
“We are still aiming at finishing fourth this year and we will keep pushing. We will try to beat both Australia and Tonga,” he said.
The Queens will face Tonga Nation on Thursday.—Powered by PremierLoto & MNCS
