Airtel challenges Queens on performance
Airtel Malawi Limited has challenged Malawi Queens to bring at least a trophy from the Diamonds International Challenge Series in South Africa and the African Netball Championships in Namibia this month.
The company’s head of enterprise business Rachel Mijiga made the remarks at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC) on Friday when she made a symbolic presentation of a K10 million (US$22 222) sponsorship for the team’s camp training.
Since the company came up with a K360 million (US$800 000) three-year netball sponsorship through Airtel Money last year, Queens, who are still number one in Africa, have not won a trophy.
“You ought to be more than determined to conquer the world of netball now. Surely, you should improve from your performance of last year. The administrators of netball must also put their house in order,” said Mijiga.
“Otherwise, let every experience be a reflection point and do comprehensive homework to fix your shortfalls and maximise your strengths. We are eagerly looking forward to your progressive performance. We hope you will return home with at least a trophy.”
In reaction, Queens captain Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira said they will do their best to achieve their goal of becoming an all-conquering team and even break into the top-four band.
“We did not do well last year and we are more than ready to make amends,” Mtukule-Ngwira said.
Meanwhile, Queens caretaker coaches Peace Chawinga-Kalua and Mary Waya have named a 14-player squad which is expected to leave for South Africa today for the week-long Diamonds Challenge Series starting on Tuesday.
Bridget Kumwenda, Jessica Mazengera-Sanudi and Beauty Nyangulu are some of the regulars that have been dropped while Thandi Galeta and Rose Mkanda are the new faces.
The final squad is as follows: defenders Mtukule-Ngwira, Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, Laureen Ngwira, Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango and Joana Kachilika; centre-court comprises Galeta, Mkanda, Martha Dambo, Rose Saili and Takondwa Lwazi; shooters are Sindi Simtowe, Ellen Chiboko, Joyce Mvula and Cecilia Mtukule.
