Only one new face in Queens’ final squad
Only one new face has made it into the 15-player Malawi Queens final squad that flies to Windhoek, Namibia this Friday to compete in the Pent Series and the Africa Netball Championship.
A squad of 32, mostly up-and-coming players, was called into camp at Malawi Armed Forces College (Mafco) in Salima, but First Choice Tigresses’ centre Flora Chipeta is the only new name on the final list that is also expected to take part in the Tri-Nations Tournament in England between November 22 and 29.
This comes amid concerns from some quarters that most of the Queens’ key players are heading towards the twilight of their careers and need to be replaced.
Other players Tendai Masamba, Mary Nyirenda and Beauty Basiyao, who made their Queens’ debut in South Africa against the Spar Proteas last November, have also made the grade.
The final squad also includes regulars such as England-based duo of shooter Joyce Mvula and goalkeeper Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, goal-attackers Sindi Simutowe-Msowoya and Jane Chimaliro, centres Bridget Kumwenda, Sheila Dimba, Juliet Sambo and Rose Mkanda and defenders Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira, Martha Dambo and Grace Mwafulirwa.
Queens head coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa said she is confident that the team will do well at the three competitions as there is a good blend of youths and experience.
“Everyone that has made it into the final squad is aware of the tasks that lie ahead and I do not think they will disappoint,” she said.
Conspicuously missing on the final list are Australia-based star-shooter Mwawi Kumwenda and Imosys captain and goal-defender Joana Kachilika, who were called up in the provisional squad.
The squad is also without some regulars such as Blue Eagles centre Takondwa Lwazi-Mtonga, former Imosys wing-attacker Thandie Galeta, Kukoma Diamonds shooter Jessica Mazengera-Sanudi and Tigresses wing attacker Beatrice Mpinganjira, who were part of the team that faced South Africa in Three Test Series last November.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary Isaac Chimwala yesterday said although Kumwenda is not on the final list, she is expected to join the squad anytime.
“Mwawi is ready and excited to join the squad, but some Covid-19 restrictions in Australia seem to stand on her way.
“However, we are confident that she will join the team soon as there is currently a partial lift of a lockdown in Australia,” he said.
The Queens are currently ranked sixth in the world and second in Africa. Their participation in the three tournaments could help them improve their ranking.
