Kukoma Diamonds Coach Noel Mussa has expressed excitement with his appointment as Malawi Under-21 National Netball Team Coach.
The new coach was expected to take charge of a 36-member junior Queens squad that was expected to go into camp in Blantyre yesterday in preparation for the World Youth Netball Cup slated for Gibraltar in September next year.
Mussa said he was determined to prove his prowess after being given his first national assignment.
“It is a task which every budding coach wishes for. I am, therefore, very happy to have been named coach for this team. It is a serious task and I am looking forward to it. I have my assistant Christina Mkwanda and we will work together to build a strong team for the World Youth Cup.
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“Christina was in charge of the team when it qualified for this competition. I, therefore, need to make informed decisions by consulting her since she knows the players better. My goal is to help the team to finish in the top four,” he said.
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Initially, Joanna Kachilika was supposed to take charge of the team following her demotion to the junior side from the Queens.
But she declined the offer and sued Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) for unfair dismissal in a matter that is yet to be heard in court.
Nam General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa-Kauma confirmed the new under-21 panel, which also includes former Queens goalkeeper Anne Kapatuka as team manager while Getrude Chilemba is team doctor.
Vincent Shombe has been maintained as physical trainer.
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Khungwa-Kauma said they would have several camps ahead of the competition.
“We really need to build a strong team and this is just one of the planned camps. The under-21 team is a nursery for our senior national team. This is the team we need to develop for the future,” she said.
The call-up list has left out captain and goalkeeper Shabelo Bengo, wing attacker Rellie Banda, centre Marietta Harrison and wing defender Thokozani Makunganya, who will be older than 21 by the time the competition throws off.
During the qualifying tournament, the quartet played a key role in helping Malawi finish second, behind South Africa, to book a place at the finals.
The team is as follows:
Shooters-Stella Matelezi, Ida Mhone, Florence Makanganya, Florence Jeke, Amina Mussa and Sophirate Banda.
Mid court: Melia Soko, Adija Juma, Happiness Banda, Lyness Mdulamitu, Mestina Mtete, Shira Nkhoma, Chifundo Banda and Alinafe Chaima.
Defenders: Esther Phiri, Aisha Gama, Christina Type, Regina Makoloni, Chimwemwe Dzanja, Elina Chigwe, Caroline Benito, Joyce Magaitsa, Martha Matupi, Chawanangwa Msiska, Bridget Williams and Grace Mwanza.
