Malawi Queens sound SOS on netball facilities
Malawi Queens have reiterated the need for companies and government to join hands in constructing state-of-the-art indoor netball courts if the team is to break into the top-four band.
The plea comes years after a pledge by former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika on the same failed to come to pass following his sudden death in 2012.
Head coach Mary Waya said this during a dinner and dance at Monarch Square, along Magalasi Road, in Blantyre on Saturday held as one way of honouring the Queens outstanding performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Queens retained position five on the globe and one in Africa.
“We, the Queens, are strong and hard-workers. This is why, despite poor infrastructure, we still manage to be on top of the ladder in Africa above well replenished teams such as South Africa,” she said.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary Carol Bapu concurred with Waya that as a winning brand, the Queens require good infrastructure to sparkle in the world netball circles.
“Airtel bankrolled the Queens’ camp training prior to the games and other companies can come in as well to help in other areas, including the erection of a high standard netball court,” she said.
Blantyre City Mayor Noel Chalamanda, who was guest of honour said he is ready to help the Queens knock on doors of companies for support.
On her part, Brenda Chilima, one of Monarch Square directors, whose facility spent about K500 000 (US$1 213.6) into the party, said her firm is ready to work with other companies to help the Queens.
During the party, facilitated by Friends of Malawi Netball, Candlex Malawi Limited gave out a hamper and K25 000 (US$61) to each of the Queens15 players, while Kukoma gave out five- litre cartons of cooking oil and K10 000 (US$24) to each. AXA gave the girls return tickets to Lilongwe whereas MacSteel and Justice Zibelu Banda gave the Queens K50 000 (US$121) and K100 000 (US$243) respectively.
