The Malawi Under-21 National Netball Team is today expected to go into its second camp in readiness for the Under-21 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
Sunday, the Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) released a 28-member squad to be training at Blantyre Sports Arena, formerly Blantyre Youth Centre.
The squad comprises 12 players who were part of the squad which finished second during the continental qualifiers in South Africa.
The eight include Aisha Gama, Stella Matelezi, Esther Phiri, Chimwemwe Dzanja, Melia Soko, Sophirate Banda, Amina Msusa and Florence Jeke.
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The team has called 20 new players and they are Getrude Makanganya, Ida Mhone, Tadala Zasiyana, Bridget Williams, Grace Mwanza, Anita Rafael, Allien Chigwe, Khadija Juma, Happiness Banda, Lyness Mdulamitu, Mestina Mtete, Shira Nkhoma, Chifundo Banda, Alinafe Chaima Christina Type, Regina Makoloni, Elina Chigwe, Joyce Magaitsa, Martha Matupi and Chawanangwa Msiska.
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Four players who were part of the squad during the qualifiers—namely Shabel Bengo, Marrieta Harrison, Lelie Banda and Thokozani Makunganya— have been left out as they are not within the required age bracket.
Malawi Queens Under-21 Coach Noel Mussa said they planned to build a strong team capable of finishing in the top four.
“We are delighted with the crop of players we have called into camp. They all showed good qualities to withstand the heat at international level but they really need to work hard to be part of the team,” Mussa said.
Mussa is heading the panel, with Christina Mkwanda as his assistant whereas former Malawi Queens goalkeeper Anne Kapatuka is the team manager.
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Team doctor is Gertrude Chilemba while Vincent Shombe is the physical fitness trainer.
The team goes into camp after Nam announced a three-year K675 million deal with Mukuru Malawi.
The package caters for the under-21 national netball team and the under-21 national netball league.
Nam General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa- Kauma said they were hoping that the camp would prepare the team for the global showpiece.
