Sunday shot

When Queens merge with Flames

The curtain that went down on the 2013 Africa Netball Championship on Friday was summed up in Malawi Queens’ last gasp collapse under the weight of expectations against determined South Africa.

While the Queens grew weaker and weaker as the final descended into sudden death, the Spar Proteas just grew stronger and stronger in mental and physical stature.

It was a triumph of massive investment, planning and tactics for the South Africans who, for the better part of the five-day event, kept Malawi guessing on who was to play where.

South Africa have been consistent winning three of the last five meetings with the Queens in all competitions. For Malawi, it has been more about hanging in there.

The South Africans have invested in their game, they established a professional league, their players are on monthly salaries and they regularly play test series against worthwhile opposition.

For Malawi, the warning signs were visible right from the first game when the Queens had their backs to the wall against a Zimbabwe team not too long ago even Bingu Tigresses would have beaten effortlessly.

The indifference that Malawi sports authorities have has shown that the Queens’ undoubted potential is proving costly.

Netball has not grown at the grass roots as domestic competitions are dominated by only Tigresses, MTL Queens and Escom Sisters.

Malawi has not invested in infrastructure.  It took the hosting of the continental championship to refurbish a badly measured BYC courts.

The approach to sports has not changed; it is still a pastime. That is why despite being fully aware last year that Malawi will host the netball event, the fire fighting starting very late.

A few months ago, the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) argued that they could not start preparing for the championship before holding executive committee elections. Logical Huu!

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