By Llywellenie Mpasa:
Malawi’s Under-23 National Netball Team, the junior Queens, arrived in South Africa Tuesday, when they are set to make their highly anticipated debut in the Telkom Netball League.
The team left the country Tuesday through Bakili Muluzi International Airport in Blantyre, amid optimism that the competition would provide valuable international exposure and a stern test against some of South Africa’s top club sides.
The team’s head coach, Joana Kachilika, speaking during a send-off press briefing in Blantyre on Monday, said the trip marked a milestone in the country’s netball development pathway, exposing the under-23 side to elite-level competition.
“This is an opportunity for the junior Queens to compete on an international platform outside traditional youth tournaments. Our aim is to develop future Queens who can transition into the senior national team,” she said.
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Kachilika named a final 15-member squad for the junior Queens ahead of their historic participation in the tournament, which is scheduled for April 24 to May 2 at Durban University of Technology.
She said the competition provided an opportunity for player development beyond traditional youth structures.
She added that the selection process was highly competitive, with 37 players initially entering camp on April 1 before the final squad was trimmed to 15 based on performance, discipline and tactical adaptability.
The junior Queens are scheduled to play eight matches against experienced South African Division sides, including Sunbirds, Tornados and Baobabs.
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Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) President Vitumbiko Gubuduza said participation in the Telkom Netball League was a strategic investment in strengthening the national team pipeline.
“For these young athletes, this is an audition for the future of Malawi netball and an opportunity to prove that they belong on the big stage. The League will expose our players to high-level competition that will accelerate their growth and strengthen the national team pipeline,” she said.
Mukuru Malawi Marketing and Partnerships Lead Taleetha Jussab reaffirmed the
organisation’s commitment to supporting youth sport development.
“Our commitment is to empower young athletes and provide platforms that allow them to grow and compete,” she said.
In his remarks, Malawi National Council of Sports Development Officer Wiza Msowoya said the initiative would play a key role in building elite athletes.
“This exposure will help develop discipline, resilience and technical ability, which are essential for long-term national team success,” he said.
The final squad includes Aida Mhone, Chimwemwe Dzanja, Florence Jeke, Sheila Nkhoma, Mphatso Banda, Veronica Anderson, Caroline Benito, Grace Mwanza, Sophilet Banda, Idesi Zacharia, Prisca Banda, Caroline Benito, Adidya Juma, Pemphero Maseko, Lukia Thonje and Edna Julius
