Malawi National Netball Team’s rebuilding exercise got a taste of what they should expect to reclaim their glory after the side suffered a comprehensive beating in the first match of the Spar Challenge International Test Series.
The Queens, who started promisingly but faltered in the third quarter, lost to rivals and hosts South Africa 68-31 at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg Thursday.
It was the first competitive match for Queens coach Joanna Kachilika, who took over the mantle in January.
Kachilika handed a debut to goal-attacker Ethel Ng’ambi and centre Beatrice Kumwenda while other youthful players shooter Tendai Masamba and goalkeeper Shabel Bengo also played.
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Captain Towera Vinkhumbo started at goal-defence partnering wing defender Martha Dambo.
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Another senior player Thandie Galeta started at centre.
The Queens started promisingly, matching the hosts in many departments, but South Africa eventually underlined their supremacy when they pulled away.
The first quarter ended 16- 11 in favour of the hosts. South Africa led 32-19 at half time before extending the lead to 48- 27 at the end of the third quarter.
Queens were without top shooters Joyce Mvula and Mwawi Kumwenda while centre Takondwa Lwazi and shooter Jane Chimaliro retired.
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The team embarked on a rebuilding exercise following a poor showing at major events which led them to drop to position seven on the world rankings.
Kachilika said her mission was on rebuilding the Queens to be ready for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“We know it will be tough but we will make it. We have observed a lot of things which we need to work on,” Kachilika said.
Before the match, new South Africa captain Khanyisa Chawane said her side was targeting a clean sweep in the three-test series.
“Our expectation is to win all three test matches and win them convincingly because of the type of work we have put in and the type of players we have,” she told supersport.com.
