Queens failed to make the grade—Tiga coach
Tigresses coach Charles Mhango has said contrary to NAM officials’ claims, Queens failed to make the grade at the just-ended Fast5 World Netball Series in Auckland, New Zealand.
Mhango said her analysis has nothing to do with NAM’s decision to drop her players from the squad that took part in the tournament.
“We were already number five going to this competition, therefore, our aim should have been to break into the top four and the fact that we have maintained the same position means we have not progressed.
“If anything, it is our continental rivals South Africa who have made strides as they have jumped from their previous sixth position to fourth. That should give us food for thought,” said Mhango.
The Tigresses mentor said while other individual players stood out to be counted, there were others who were a let-down.
“I think at such tournaments, the focus is on techniques and that is why I would argue that we needed Sindi [Simtowe] more as she is able to score from far, which has a two-point score unlike Joyce Mvula who is good at converting from close range, but the disadvantage is that it counts for a point,” said Mhango.
He also says the combination of Mwawi Kumwenda and Jessica Mazengera was good, only that it was made a bit late.
“If they had played together in the earlier games, I am quite certain that we would have done better,” he said.
The Queens arrived at around noon on Tuesday through Kamuzu International Airport and were met on arrival by their official sponsors Airtel Money as well as NAM officials.
Soon after the tournament in New Zealand, NAM vice-president Chimwemwe Kachingwe and general secretary Carol Bapu said the performance of the Queens, even without the Tigresses players, was impressive.
“I would say the girls put up a good fight throughout the tournament, they played very well. I would not say we could have done better if the other Tigresses players had been included because those that were there did very well and they need to be hailed,” said Kachingwe.
