Malawi Queens’ 59-45 victory over Uganda’s She Cranes in the Vitality Quad Series in Nottingham, England, on Sunday has boosted their prospects of reclaiming the sixth position on World Netball Rankings.
The Malawi National Netball Team is currently ranked seventh, a step below Uganda.
According to the World Netball ranking system, a win helps a team to increase its rating by 50 points more than their opponent’s current rating.
“A win essentially gives you a rating boost based on the opponents’ rating level; the higher the opponent’s rating, the bigger the rating gain from a win,” reads part of the statement on the World Netball website www.netball.sport.
Currently, the Queens have 4 262 points and a rating of 125 while the She Cranes have 4 224 points and a rating of 128.
On the prospects of rising on the rankings, Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary Yamikani Kauma said: “Definitely there will be a change because the difference between Uganda and Malawi is 40 points.
“Uganda is at 4224 whille Malawi is at 4264, so with this win, especially the significant goal difference, it will help the Queens to be on a better position.”
Queens’ England-based shooter Joyce Mvula, who was named player of the match as Malawi beat Uganda for the first time in six years on Sunday, described their latest victory as a big boost.
“It feels great to beat a team that has been a headache to us for some time. This win has boosted our confidence ahead of our next games and advance our campaign of improving on rankings,” she said.
“It is quite impressive to note that we are now able to enjoy possession, reduce misplaced passes and up our game both offensively and defensively.”
However, she said their continued success will depend on continued support from the government and the corporate world, especially main sponsors Nico Group.
“If you look at our play, it has improved a lot because we had more time for camping, where we learned a lot of skills and built endurance. All this was possible because of adequate and timely funding. If this continues, we will go far. Everything is possible,” Mvula said.
Prior to the England trip, the Queens were in camp for at least three weeks unlike previously when they could prepare for a week.
The team’s co-coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa described the win over Uganda as a big motivation.
She said: “The win was absolutely deserved and, as coaches, we are beyond thrilled for every single one of the girls! We believed, we showcased, we improved and we pulled it off when nobody gave us a chance.
“This is exactly what our new team needed—a boost of confidence and a reminder that our hard work is paying off.
“However, we really need to maintain a positive culture that requires effort, commitment and intentional actions.”
NAM and Queens technical adviser Sam Kanyenda said: “The gap that is there between Uganda and the Queens is indeed a very small. That is why the Queens must frequently play games.
“Of course, financially it is a tall order, but believe you me, the Queens are on the right track. They are giving us hope and making us happy.
The Queens’ next match is against leaders South Africa’s Proteas on Saturday while hosts England will face Uganda.
South Africa top the four-team tourney with four points, having won both their games against Uganda and the hosts. Malawi are third with two points after losing their opening match 62-36 against England. They are tied on points with the hosts, who have a better goal aggregate which puts them on second position.
Uganda anchor the table with no point.
