Minister pushes for Queens’ preparations

Minister of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Grace Chiumia has ordered officials in her ministry to source funds for Malawi Queens camping in preparation for the 2019 Netball World Cup slated for July in Liverpool, England.

The minister’s directive follows Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) statement that the Queens’ camping has delayed due to lack of funds.

This was after national coach Griffin Saenda raised his concern over the Queens’ continued inactivity at a time when the bulk of the  participants for the global showpiece, have intensified their preparations.

Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Joseph Mwandidya yesterday said he will ensure that the minister’s directive is enforced.

“We will try all means possible to ensure that we find resources for the Queens as per the honourable minister’s  directive,” he said.

However, the PS could not be drawn to give a time frame on when the resources will be available.

NAM general secretary Carol Bapu said the development is a timely relief.

“It is good news and we thank the minister for her directive as well as the PS for his assurance. It shows that they appreciate the Queens’ exploits.

“The team can only do well at the World Cup with thorough preparations. Nevertheless, we are also appealing to the corporate world and other well-wishers to follow suit,” she said.

The Queens are in Group B alongside New Zealand, Barbados and Singapore. They will begin their campaign on  July 12 against New Zealand