Queens beat South Africa to retain 1st position in Africa
‘We have done our part; the ball is now in Flames’ court,’ that seemed to be the message from the Queens today after they reclaimed their number one Africa spot and world’s fifth at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Queens, looking sharper, fired up and determined to shed every gallon of sweat on the Pool A court, put their bitter continental rivals South Africa to the sword with a 53-45 win; effectively ending a three-game losing streak to the Spar Proteas.
In celebration, coach Mary Waya dished out kisses to all her charges who greeted the final whistle by mounting a circle while doing push-ups before breaking into song and dance.
“I feel very happy to get our revenge. Of course, the defeats by South Africa weighed heavily on the girls’ minds. They had some nerves, but I told them that when South Africa beat us, it was not our end, but the beginning of new life,” Waya explained in a telephone interview.
It was a balanced Malawi display of minimal match-play errors, pace, energy and precision. Nation Online monitored the match on SuperSport Channel 4.
Goal defender and captain Caroline Mtukule was brutal if not ruthless. Goal keeper Towera Vinkhumbo tied up things with quick-fire interceptions. Tina Kamzati found her passing range; picking out goal attacker Sindi Simtowe. Mwawi Kumwenda mocked gravity, danced in the air then planted the baskets for fun.
The last time Malawi beat South Africa coached by Elize Kotze was at the 2010 New Dehli Commonwealth Games. And today, Malawi rediscovered their touch, dominating all quarters 13-11, 28-19 and 39-34.
Waya pulled out Kamzati from the centre for Takonda Lwazi to inject more life into Malawi attack.
For South Africa, rated sixth in the world on the Commonwealth ladder and second in Africa, their shooter Chrisna Bootha was visibly battling tears while Kotze looked shell-shocked.
Malawi ended their campaign with four wins, including over Northern Ireland, Saint Lucia and Scotland. They lost to New Zealand and Jamaica. It is now over to the Flames today when hosting Benin at the Kamuzu Stadium.
In Scotland, semi-final games continue tomorrow when New Zealand face off Australia while Jamaica take on England. The final is Sunday.
