Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has named a 16-player Malawi Queens squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games set for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Leading the squad is Australia-based experienced shooter Mwawi Kumwenda, who returns after a year absence alongside Ethel Ng’ambi, Florence Jeke, Nancy Mwaulambo, Stella Matelezi and Tendai Masamba in the shooting department.
The mid-court section comprises Takondwa Lwazi, Melia Soko, Thandi Galeta, Mphatso Banda and Beatrice Kumwenda.
In defence, the Queens will rely on Martha Dambo, Aisha Gama, Shabel Bengo, Ruth Chimzimu and Sophilet Banda.
Kumwenda. | Nation
NAM in a statement signed by general secretary Yamikani Kauma-Khungwa said the selection process was highly competitive and reflected the growing depth of netball talent in the country.
The statement reads in part: “The coaching panel has carefully assessed players throughout the training camp and selected a squad that combines experience, versatility and youthful energy.
“We are confident that these athletes will represent Malawi with pride and determination at the Commonwealth Games.”
The technical panel includes head consultant coach Deborah Fuller, assistant coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua, strength and conditioning lead Beatrice Mpinganjira, physiotherapist Thomas Banda and team manager Zikubwelera Washon.
The statement further said Malawi Queens will be aiming to make a strong impression at the Commonwealth Games as they seek to compete with some of the world’s top-ranked netball nations.
The Queens’ best-ever finish was in 2010 and 2014 when they took fifth place.
The last edition saw the Queens finishing seventh in 2022.
NAM has since called on Malawians and netball stakeholders to rally behind the team ahead of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Queens will this afternoon play the Kings who are tuning up for the Africa Netball Cup from September 19 to 26 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The match will be the last of a four-match test series played at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) Sports Complex in Blantyre.
In the first test match on Monday, the Queens narrowly beat the Kings 43-42 before losing 48-42 in the second outing on Tuesday.
The two teams were expected to meet in a third clash by press time yesterday before wrapping up their camp ahead of a break on June 9.
Kings coach Garvey Zikani Nyondo and Chawinga-Kalua, in separate interviews, said they believe the intense training matches are important for their preparations.
