Netball Association of Maalwi (NAM) has announced a 20-member Queens provisional squad for the forthcoming Africa Netball Cup set for Deecember 8-14.
Queens coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa has retained a strong core of experienced players while introducing a few promising faces as part of the team’s rebuilding drive.
Leading the shooting circle are seasoned campaigners United Kingdom-based Leeds Rhinos star Joyce Mvula, Cynthia Khunga and Florence Jeke, who are joined by Ethel Ng’ambie, Stella Matelezi and Chimwemwe Dzanja.
In the midcourt, Florence Gamuka, Idesi Zechariah, Meria Soko as well as veterans Thandie Galeta, Bridget Kumwenda and Takondwa Lwazi have been called up for the continental showpiece.
The defensive unit sees Martha Dambo, Shabel Bengo and Mphatso Kanyimbo joined by Grace Chimbiri, Chifuniro Moses, Sophilet Banda, Aisha Gama and Tendai Masamba.
The technical bench remains unchanged, with Kaluwa at the helm, assisted by Madano Tepheteya while Beatrice Mpinganjira is fitness trainer and, Trisser Mailosi serves as team manager.
In an interview yesterday NAM general secretary Yamikani Khungwa Kauma said the team is expected to go into camp on Sunday.
In related development, the Ministry of Youth and Sports says the Griffin Saenda Indoor Sports Complex in Lilongwe will be ready to host the event despite the facility facing a race against time to complete renovations.
The assurance comes after newly-appointed Minister of Youth and Sports Patricia Wiskes, Malawi National Council of Sports, NAM and the local organising committee last week toured the facility.
Ministry of Sports spokesperson MacMillan Mwale in an interview said while the stadium is not fully completed, it remains capable of hosting the event providing that critical finishing works are immediately completed.
“During the visit it was observed that the sports facility can still host the event, but there is need to immediately start some works that are critical for hosting,” he said.
The outstanding works identified, include the installation of glass panels and doors, the establishment of permanent water and electricity connections as well as clearing of the surrounding area.
Mwale said the ministry will come up with a comprehensive work plan to track progress and ensure deadlines are met, while lobbying for more funding for the work at the facility named in honour of Malawi’s legendary Queens coach Griffin Saenda.
“There is need to come up with a work plan that will guide the works and monitor progress.
“On the other hand, the ministry will continue to lobby for funds to complete the project,” he said.
The Queens won the tournament in 2013 when Malawi last hosted the competition in Blantyre.
Apart from the hosts, 10 other teams, namely Zambia, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia and Lesotho have confirmed their participation.
