Queens make triumphant start
Malawi Queens yesterday thrashed neighbours Zambia 70-36 in their opening match of the Africa Netball Cup in Namibia to get their nine-year wait for the title on track.
Having led 19-9 in the first quarter, the Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa-coached side did not slow down in the subsequent segments as they increased the tally to 34-18 and 51-28 before earning a 34-basket win at Wanderers Sports Arena in Windhoek in a match monitored on Africa Netball Cup Facebook Page.
This was the Malawi Senior National Netball Team’s improved performance compared to their display during the Pent Series Tournament in the same country last week where they made mistakes in all departments despite securing a thumping 76-44 victory against Zambia.
“Today, ours was a very improved side that dominated play from the start to finish. We were able to win the ball even when under pressure and that was what lacked in our previous match against Zambia,” Chawinga-Kaluwa said in a post-match interview.
She said the victory was a boost in their mission of winning the continental championship for the first time since 2012.
Queens captain Carol Mtukule-Ngwira said they were delighted with the triumph.
“After noting our mistakes during the Pent Series, we worked hard to rectify them before getting into the Africa Championship and we are happy to win,” she said.
Chawinga-Kaluwa and Mtukule-Ngwira said they will try their best to work harder in their next games, including today’s clash against Botswana.
Yesterday, Malawi turned over plenty of ball throughout the game and they capitalised on the defence’s excellent work to get the baskets flowing on the attacking end.
With experienced defenders Mtukule-Ngwira, Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda and Grace Mwafulirwa, the Queens enjoyed more turnovers, giving shooters Joyce Mvula and Jane Chimaliro the leeway to convert their shots at high rate.
Wing attacker Bridget Kumwenda and centre Sheila Dimba were also instrumental to the victory as Queens had a better centre pass conversion rate. Substitute Sindi Simtowe-Msowoya, Martha Dambo, Beauty Basiao and Tendai Masamba also had a grand game.
In other games, Uganda beat Tanzania 77-29 in their opener. By press time, defending champions and the continent’s number on team South Africa beat Zimbabwe 78-27.
The tournament, which will run up to November 16, has hosts Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
