The Malawi National Netball Team has set a promising tone for the Africa Netball Cup, thrashing holders Zambia 52-39 at MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia on Monday.
It was a morale-boosting win for the Queens ahead of tonight’s Pool 1 battle against heavyweights South Africa.
Shooter of the moment Nancy Mwaulambo was handed her senior team’s debut and she did not disappoint with her finishing prowess and inside ring movements.
Mwaulambo, of Blue Eagles, partnered goal attacker Ethel Ng’ambi while centre court player Takondwa Lwazi returned to the almost a year when she played alongside wing attacker Thandi Galeta. Team from retirement after
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In defence, Queens co-coaches Mary Waya and Peace Chawinga- Kaluwa opted for an experienced defence, with Captain Towera Vinkhumbo playing at goalkeeper while goal-defender Martha Dambo and wing defender Grace Mwafulirwa sealed the back three.
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The Queens led 14-7 in the first quarter before they increased the lead to 32-17 at half time.
In the third quarter, the Queens led 43-25. However, after making changes in the third and fourth quarters, the Queens lost steam a bit, allowing Zambia to narrow the margin. In a post-match interview, Waya said it was a good start and promised that the technical panel would rectify mistakes ahead of their match against South Africa.
“We tried our best as we featured a strong seven but we made changes in the third and fourth quarters. We will work on our shortfalls to do better in the next match,” Waya said.
On her part, Vinkhumbo said they would not get complacent.
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“I am where I am because of fellow players. Everyone put up a good game. We won today but we are here to win each and every game. We are not underrating any team because we know every team plays a different style,” she said.
During the recent Spar International Netball Challenge Test Series against South Africa, the Queens lost all the three matches 68-31, 69-38 and 69-24, to the hosts at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg.
