Malawi lose to Mozambique on Independence Day, Queens beat Zambia in netball
Newly appointed Malawi expatriate coach Tom Saintfeit on Saturday watched the Flames squad playing awfully before thousands of Malawians who went to Civo Stadium to commemorate the 49 years since the country got its independence from Britain, and losing to Mozambique.
The Flames conceded an early goal which was enough for the Mozambicans to carry the day.
And Malawi President Joyce Banda left the stadium at half-time to attend to other important national issues at Kamuzu Palace when the team’s performance was despicable.
Mozambique were home and dry with the goal and defended it astutely.
Caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo conceded that his charges were far from impressive as their play was not cohesive enough.
“Some of our players played badly today and we need to beef up the squad before our COSAFA assignment if we are to do well. They are some players who will were not present today like Gabadihno Mhango who will join us for the tournament,” said Ng’onamo.
Earlier, the Malawi queens defeated Zambia with by 46-22 baskets in front of their patron President Joyce Banda.
The Queens, who featured Sindi Simutowe and Joyce Mvula in front kicked-0ff the match on a higher note as they kept the She-Chipolopolo under wrapped.
Fresh from participating in the African Netball Championship, the Queens were a marvel as they exchanged passes to the delight of the fully packed Civo Stadium.
Mvula and Simutowe inspired the team to lead by 19-11 baskets in the first quarter.
However, the visitors were not that bad as they also put up a gallant fight especially through their shooer Lucy Jere.
In a game, which was played only for 2 quarters insted of the usual 4 due to time, Malawi Queens made several changes in the last quarter by introducing Takondwa Lwanzi, Tina Kamzati, Joana Kachilika,Jessica Mazengera and Lauren Ngwira for Joyce Mvula, Sindi Simutowe and Bridget Kumwenda.
The introduction of the five players pumped in more fire for the Queens as they managed to scorch the She-Chipolopolo with 46-22 baskets to the satisfaction of the President Joyce Banda,who was spotted smiling while clapping hands after the final whistle.
Malawi Queens Head Coach Griffin Saenda said that he was very pleased that the players did their best in front of the President.
”As a team we are very happy that we have won the game against Zambia a thing which has made our independent celebrations more enjoyable,” Saenda said.
However, the Zambia Coach, Charles Zulu expressed his dissatisfaction over their loss saying it was due to the umpires (referee).
”If the umpires were not from Malawi, I hope we could have beaten Malawi because it was not strong as usual, the Zambia players did a very good job they did not deserve a loss,” Zulu said.
Zulu went ahead to blame the organizers of the match saying they failed their job because there is no way they can hire the local umpires in an international game like that one.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
