Queens stuck on 6th position for past three rankings
Malawi National Netball Team is living dangerously on World Netball rankings, having been glued on position six in the last three rankings.
According to rankings released on Wednesday, Malawi remain sixth and under the threat of Tonga, who have displaced Uganda on seventh position.
Both the Queens and Uganda have been idle while Tonga have been taking part in ranking tournaments, hence their steady rise on the ladder.
Netball analyst Neffie Kam’mata said Queens’ chances of breaking into the top five are becoming slim.
“All the top five teams have been active and deserve to be where they are because they have been active. If you consider the points and ratings of all the teams, you will notice that the gap is quite wide.
“The best way forward for our Queens should be taking part in ranking tournaments so that they earn points to help them rise on the ladder. The team certainly needs to improve its rating to narrow the gap,” Kam’mata said.
Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) Vice President Chimwemwe Bakali admitted that they need to work hard to achieve their aspirations of breaking into the top four.
“First and foremost, we are relieved to have maintained our ranking. But we should not rest on our laurels. We need to work hard to zero in on the top four teams. We hope the government, our sponsors [FDH Bank plc] and the private sector will help us realise our dreams and aspirations,” Bakali said.
He said their next step is to take part in the Pacific/ Australia tournament which will be a ranking event.
“One of the teams expected to take part in the competition is Tonga Nation; so, it will be a good yardstick for us to be there. We need to gain those points,” Bakali said.
Australia top the rankings, followed by New Zealand and England on second and third position, respectively. Jamaica are fourth while South Africa are fifth.
