Upbeat Queens leave for New Zealand

Despite having five new players, the Queens are upbeat of doing well at the Fast 5 World Series in New Zealand.

They left Malawi yesterday through  Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe.

The world top six netballing countries will gather in Christchurch, New Zealand from November 11 to 12 to compete for the coveted trophy.

The Queens started their training on Wednesday at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

In an interview before departure, coach Sam Kanyenda expressed optimism of doing well.

He said: “The training sessions have been good. The players are putting up good efforts. Credit to the experienced players for their guidance to the new players.

“As you know, we have players who have never been to a global tournament. But the efforts they are putting in are quite commendable. The team must evolve and we can’t have the same players forever.”

Kanyenda said sessions on the first day  were focused on physical fitness and shooting.

“Our first session was on physical fitness. Most of the players are fit because of the Salima Sugar League which ended at the weekend. The Fast 5 is about power play and accurate shooting. The players need to know what to do defensively and offensively and that’s what we been working on,” he said

Netballer  player Joyce Mvula, who has signed for Leeds Rhinos in the UK, is also upbeat.

She said: “We have several new players and they are gelling in well with experienced ones. A team must evolve and we can’t have the same players always.

“It’s encouraging how the new players are gelling in and responding to training. They are eager to learn. Fast  5 is different from other netball tournaments, anything can happen. We just need the support of all Malawians.”

The squad has Joyce Mvula (Leeds Rhinos), Cynthia Khunga, (Civonets), Amina Mussa (Mafco), Thandie Galeta (Kamuzu Barracks), Loreen Ngwira (First Choice Tigresses), Shiela Dimba, (Prison Queens) Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, (Sirens, UK) Martha Dambo (First Choice Tigresses) and Shabel Bengo (Kukoma Diamonds).