NAM trashes Tiga players’ absence

The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has said the absence of Tigresses players has not contributed to Malawi Queens’ wide margin losses at the Test Series matches in Australia.

NAM president Rosy Chinunda was reacting to comments from certain quarters that the absence of Tigresses key players such as Sindi Simtowe, Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango, Beatrice Mpinganjira and Laureen Ngwira, who were left out on disciplinary grounds involving their team, are contributing to the poor results.

The Queens’ 83-34 loss to Australia last week was their worst in any competition.

“We lost not necessarily because of the absence of the key players. I do not think their presence could have made much difference.

“I think we should not overlook the fact that the team did not have ample time to settle down and acclimatise,” said Chinunda.

She appealed to the nation to rally behind the Queens.

“We are in the process of rebuilding and even the squad that is considered first-choice went through a similar process. So, instead of discouraging the girls, we should try by all means to encourage them ahead of the Fast5 tournament in New Zealand,” she said.

However, former Queens centre Ruth Kaipa-Chimombo said the development is confirmation that the exclusion of Tigresses players was a mistake.

“I am not saying the players that are there are hopeless, but then if you consider their input, it is obvious that we are missing their [excluded players] services,” said Kaipa-Chimombo who is now based in South Africa.

According to media reports from Australia, the Queens had quality but lacked technique and fitness to frustrate the hosts.

Meanwhile, Chinunda left the country yesterday to join the Queens on their second part of the trip in New Zealand for the Fast5 tournament. While there, Chinunda is expected to also attend some meetings.