Government snubs Queens
Unlike last year, when government sent its officials to give the Malawi Queens a hearty welcome from the Fast5 World Netball Series, this year, government gave them a cold shoulder on arrival from New Zealand on Tuesday.
Last year, when Queens finished fifth at the netball showpiece (as they have done this year), were hosted to a luncheon in Lilongwe by government where Youth and Sports Minister Enoch Chihana was the guest of honour.
However, Chihana justified government’s absence at Kamuzu International Airport this year, saying the Queens did not deserve a special welcome because they did not win anything.
“They did not do something extraordinary warranting a hero’s welcome. If they had won or finished as runners-up, or perhaps broken into the top four, it would have been a different thing, but being number five was not good enough and we knew NAM officials would be there to welcome them,” said Chihana.
Welcoming the Queens, Airtel Malawi customer care services director Sibusiso Nyasulu said: “Generally, we are happy with their performance and we would like to encourage them to do better next time.”
Queens vice-captain Joana Kachilika told the media on arrival that she was happy that they have maintained their position.
“We might have won only two games against England, but the margins of our losses in other games, speak volumes about the strides we have made considering that New Zealand and Australia are big teams.”
Coach Griffin Saenda was quoted by Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) as saying his charges were not conversant with the rules, especially on double play and four straight passes.
The Queens have since dropped on the Ifna World Rankings to number six from five in the world and are still number two to South Africa on the continent.
