Chimaliro clinches win for Queens
Malawi Queens have kicked off day two of the Fast5 Netball World Series in style recording their second win for the tournament against South Africa, 33-32 in a match decided in the dying seconds.
A three-point shot on the buzzer from Jane Chimaliro put Queens in front to defeat a tough South African lineup.
While Malawi’s attacking end gave an outstanding performance, it was their stunning defensive efforts that kept South African shooters at bay during their fourth-quarter power play.
Joyce Mvula was a pillar in Malawi’s attacking end scoring 16 from 18 shots under the post and providing a constant option in the circle.
Both sides took their time to ease into the first half with some wayward passing leaving a small margin at halftime, 13-11.
Queens charged ahead during their third quarter power play extending the lead out to 27-14 with their defensive end claiming most rebounds on South Africa’s missed shots.
It was a heated affair in the final term with neither side giving an inch.
Loreen Ngwira cut down South Africa’s shooting options during the fourth quarter, limiting their opportunities and taking crucial intercepts to keep Queens in the game.
A three-point shot from Stoltz with 30 seconds left put South Africa in the lead before a turnover gave Chimaliro an open shot from three at the end of the match to take the win.
“The team were in fighting spirt. We put up a fight and we didn’t lose hope because we knew that anything could happen. It’s because of this fighting spirit that we managed to win the game,” said Joanna Kachilika.
Queens bookend players, Mvula in attack and Ngwira in defence, are giving their side every opportunity to climb up the ladder towards the finals and play-offs.
Malawi (33) defeat South Africa (32)
Power Plays: Malawi Q3, South Africa Q4
MALAWI STARTING FIVE: Joyce Mvula (GS), Jane Chimaliro (GA), Takondwa Lwazi (C), Towera Vinkhumbo (GD), Loreen Ngwira (GK)
SOUTH AFRICA STARTING FIVE: Sigrid Burger (GS), Renske Stoltz (GA), Khanyisa Chawane (C), Shadine Van Der Merwe (GD), Zanele Vimbela (GK)
Malawi shooting statics:
| Shooter | 1 point goal | 2 point goal | 3 point supershot |
| Jane Chimaliro | 3/3 | 0/1 | 1/1 |
| J. Mazengera | 4/4 | 0/0 | 0/0 |
| Joyca Mvula | 16/18 | 0/0 | 0/0 |
South Africa shooting statistics:
| Shooter | 1 point goal | 2 point goal | 3 point supershot |
| D. Lochner | 1/1 | 0/0 | 0/0 |
| R. Stoltz | 0/0 | 6/12 | 1/2 |
| S. Burger | 5/5 | 1/2 | 0/0 |
