Queens in Uganda test
Imperious Malawi national netball team, the Queens, registered its second victory in the on-going Africa Netball Championship after humbling Zambia 70-42 at Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town yesterday.
It was good warm up for the Queens who date holders, Uganda, this morning before clashing with Lesotho later in the afternoon.
Malawi must beat the She- Cranes to keep alive their chances of finishing among the top two teams.
Losing to the She-Cranes will also slow down, Malawi’s progress on the world rankings having risen from position nine to seven.
During the last two editions of the championship, Malawi twice lost to Uganda in Kampala (66-43) and in Lusaka, Zambia (51-46) as the She-Cranes cruised to glory.
The Queens lost their opening game to hosts, Spar Proteas, 56-51 on Friday but recovered on Saturday to thrash unranked Kenya 72-34.
During the match against Zambia, the Queens dominated the match in all the departments despite their counterparts being stubborn earlier on.
The Queens led 16-12 in the first quarter and at half time Malawi were leading 34-22. The Queens stretched the lead to 56-30 at the end of the third quarter.
Malawi Coach, Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa, picked strong squad with Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, Caroline Mtukule- Ngwira and Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango playing in defence whereas Takondwa Lwazi and Bridget Kumwenda- Chalera linked the defence and attack.
Joyce Mvula of Manchester Thunder and Jane Chimaliro combined in attack.
Chawinga-Kaluwa feels she has a strong squad capable of stopping the champions.
“The players were outstanding and we hope for a better result against Uganda,” she said.
The Queens will conclude their campaign with a tie against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
