Waya rings changes
Malawi national netball team’s most experienced player, Caroline Ngwira, has been dropped from the squad which leaves today for England.
Head Coach Mary Waya announced the squad on Friday which included controversial Melbourne Vixens shooter Mwawi Kumwenda.
Ngwira, who has been a regular for the Queens since 2007, was dropped alongside Diamonds teammates Alinafe Kamwala, Grace Chazungulira, Shira Kapasula Dimba, Thunder Queens’ centre Pilirani Msukwa and Fanny Mwale of Mafco,
Notable inclusions in the squad are Wezzie Mzemba- Msiska of Kukoma Diamonds, Juliet Sambo of Blue Eagles Sisters and Civonets’ centre Rose Mkanda.
The trio was part of the team that was camping for the Fast 5 Netball World Series but was left out.
Malawi’s second professional, Joyce Mvula of Manchester Thunder, is also part of the squad.
Waya’s assistant, Whyte Mulilima, said the squad was picked mainly based on agility, reaction, speed and endurance.
“The level of competition was so stiff. As a technical panel, we believe these players will do the job for us in England,” Mulilima said.
Commenting on Ngwira, who lost the armband after giving birth to her second child, Mulilima said the door was still open for her.
“She just needs to work on her speed. She is a bit overweight. But we will consider her in future if she works on those aspects of the game,” he said.
The Copper Box Arena will host the first of two games of the 2017 series with England and Malawi going head-to-head for the first time on Friday before meeting again two days later.
Both sides will then move to the Genting Arena in Birmingham for the third and final game on Wednesday 29th November.
The full squad is as follows:
Defenders:
Joanna Kachilika – Captain
Loreen Ngwira
Martha Dambo
Julie Sambo
Wezzie Mzemba
Attackers:
Thandie Galleta
Takondwa Lwazi
Rose Mkanda
Shooters:
Jane Chimaliro – Vice Captain
Jessie Mazengera Sanudi
Kumwenda
Joyce Mvula
Head Coach: Waya
Assistant Coach: Mulirima
Team Manager
Jane Kachali Saidi
Team Doctor
Getrude Chilemba
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
