Queens UK trip hangs in balance
Malawi netball Queens’ trip to the United Kingdom for test matches against England hangs in the balance as—despite knowing months ago—the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) had not secured visas, claiming there was no money.
The hosts, England, have since replaced Malawi with Wales for the first test match at the Echo Arena in Liverpool this Sunday with the Queens test matches reduced to two. Both teams are preparing for 2015 World Netball Championship in Australia.
NAM president Rosy Chinunda on Tuesday justified the delayed visa application to a tight budget, claiming they were still hunting for sponsorship, but remained hopeful that the team will fly out by this weekend. Malawi is supposed to face England on December 17 and 20 in London and Worcester.
“The trip will cost K34 million and it is not easy getting resources. The visas have cost K3.2 million and K17 million sponsorship from Airtel went towards camping. By tomorrow, they will have their finger prints taken as part of the visa process. Our counterparts are also playing a part in ensuring that the visas are ready,” Chinunda explained.
Sports Council executive secretary George Jana said they were not involved in the processing of the visas, a development that has seen England Netball stepping in to ensure Queens’ scheduled arrival for the remaining two matches.
“Having previously received assurances that the issue was resolved, England Netball contacted the Home Office who regrettably informed us that the application had not been made,” reads England Netball website.
“We are currently working extremely hard with the Home Office and the International Netball Federation to ensure that the Queens are able to obtain their visas and travel to play in the final two matches of the series in London and Worcester.”
