Queens boycott training in SA
Malawi Queens yesterday boycotted training over unpaid external allowances ahead of this afternoon’s crucial Netball World Cup qualifiers Pool B clash against Zambia in Pretoria, South Africa.
Some of the players, speaking on condition of anonymity, confided in The Nation yesterday that they were assured of receiving K720 000 each in allowances at least three days after arriving at the nine-day event.
But seven days later, they say they are yet to get their dues.
The Queens had a K70 million budget for the Netball World Cup qualifiers with the players’ external allowances amounting to about K8 million if the current daily rate of $70 per player is to apply, considering that the 12-player squad will be in South Africa for 10 days.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary Isaac Chimwala yesterday confirmed the development and pleaded with the Queens not to derail their mission over allowances issue.
He said: “It is unfortunate that they decided to boycott the training after being assured that they will be paid.
“As NAM, it was our wish for players to be paid as early as last week, but we are waiting for Malawi National Council of Sports, who have assured that the Queens will get their stipend. Therefore, we ask the players to focus on their mission of securing the Netball World Cup ticket.”
Malawi National Council of Sports spokesperson Edgar Ntulumbwa also pleaded with the Queens to be patient.
He also suspected that the players’ boycott could be a result of internal politics because Sports Council’s agreement with the Queens was that the allowances would be paid upon their return.
Ntulumbwa said: “The government, through Sports Council, provided the Queens with funds for transport and accommodation.
“We agreed that the players will get their pay upon their return home because money was not readily available. Things are being sorted out and they will be paid in due course.”
The Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa-coached Queens must-win today’s encounter to remain top of Pool B and avoid a possible semi-final tied against hosts and the tournament’s highest ranked team South Africa, who are likely to top Pool A.
Malawi and Zambia tie on four points after two-straight wins apiece and the loser will be placed second to fight Pool A winners.
Seventh-ranked Queens have not lost to Zambia since 2021.
