The Queens squad Friday
Malawi National Netball Team’s squad for Africa Netball Championship is expected to be released Friday after the Queens’ morning training session at Blantyre Youth Centre.
The Queens have stepped up preparations for the competition, which will also serve as the 2018 Commonwealth Games qualifier.
Currently, 20 players have been in camp for a month and seven will be dropped.
The Queens’ Coach, Sam Kanyenda, admitted the technical panel faces selection headache following the players’ outstanding performance during training.
“To be frank, the players have been outstanding. It will not be easy to name the final squad because they were impressive. We, nonetheless, will pick the best out of the best,” he said.
Kanyenda said the technical panel was unfazed at the prospect of playing without several senior players.
“This will be a chance for the other players to impress at the tournament and force their way into the team. As a technical panel, we have the confidence in all the players,” he said.
Queens will miss several players, including Captain Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira, Vice Captain Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango, shooter Sindie Simtowe-Msowoya, defender Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, centre Takondwa Lwazi and Melbourne Vixens shooter Mwawi Kumwenda.
Last week, the panel axed players such as Kukoma Diamonds’ wing attacker, Eneles Mdezo Manda, Thunder Queens’ centre Pilirani Msukwa and Emily Jere, Ethel Ng’ambi of Prison Sisters and Brenda Lwanda of Civonets.
Queens will have solace in attack following the confirmation of England-based shooter, Joyce Mvula, who is set to join the team in Uganda on Wednesday. Mvula has made a promising start to her Manchester Thunder’s career.
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