Netball Association of Malawi (NAM), in partnership with its sponsors Nico Group, has rolled out a talent identification exercise targeting tall players.
NAM general secretary Yamikani Kauma said in an interview yesterday that through the Nico Game Plan Initiative worth K60 million, the identified players will be groomed for the Malawi Queens.‘
The development follows Malawi Queens’ struggles at international tournaments where most of their opponents rely on tall players to have advantages in both shooting and defending.
committed. | Nation
She said they are targeting girls with a height of not less than 1.7 metres aged between 15 and 25.
Said Kauma: “Players do not need previous netball experience, but must be tall, committed and willing to train at an elite level. The identified players will be invited for a training camp for five days in Lilongwe from April 21 to 25.”
“We are calling on all stakeholders, players and parents to fully commit and dedicate themselves to the success of this programme. We need to share a unified vision in rebuilding and strengthening of the senior national team. Together we can ensure a brighter future for Malawi netball.”
She said athletes from other sports codes such as basketball, volleyball and football will be considered as long as they are willing to switch to netball.
Among the top-10 ranked teams, Malawi has the shortest players with an average height of 1.7 metres while the average height for the World’s top-ranked team Australia is1.82 metres (m), second-ranked New Zealand is 1.84m, third-ranked Jamaica is 1.8m, fourth-ranked England 1.82m, fifth-ranked South Africa 1.8m and sixth-ranked Uganda 1.75m.
In a statement, NAM states that the hunt for tall players will create a sustainable pipeline of talent by developing players and ensuring long-term excellence and high performance.
“This will establish a clear succession plan by identifying and nurturing Under 21 young talent capable of transitioning into senior roles, ensuring continuity in high performance,” reads the statement.
Nico Holdings’ corporate affairs manager Mbumba Mlia-Ndasauka said they thought of supporting the initiative after NAM highlighted that identifying suitable talent for the national team was one of its biggest challenges, apart from having adequate funding.
“We saw it important to assist with funding for this exercise. We are committed to rebuilding the national team and giving our girls across the nation a chance to be part of the team. The exercise will be carried out across Malawi in all districts and we are not leaving anyone behind,” she said.
