Malawi Queens invited to Dubai for four-nation tourney
Malawi Queens have been invited to United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a four-nation tournament scheduled for April next year.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) General Secretary, Carol Bapu, said the tournament, which is aimed at promoting the sport in the oil-rich nation, had been organised by England and will involve two other countries- Jamaica and South Africa.
Bapu described the development as timely for the Queens as they strive to improve their world rankings from the current fifth position to break through the top four which has eluded them for some time.
“The Dubai games will help us to challenge the top four bracket as we have been revolving around position six and five,” she said.
The NAM general secretary indicated that the team would be summoned for camping just before the tournament kicks-off.
According to Bapu, the organisers will provide accommodation, return air tickets but the country’s netball body is expected to shoulder expenses for camping and out of pocket allowances for the players.
In another development, the Malawi Queens have risen back to position fifth from sixth displacing continental rivals, South Africa.
Queens’ Assistant Coach, Mary Waya, attributed the situation to the fact that the Fast 5 Series (which the team participated in last month in New Zealand) do not have any bearing when it comes to the world rankings.
“What people should know is that we didn’t necessarily drop because of the Fast5 Series. These games are not considered in as far as world rankings are considered,” she explained.
Added Waya: “It’s like seven-a-side in football which are not included in FIFA rankings.”
Latest top six world rankings:
New Zealand (1), Australia (2), England (3), Jamaica (4), Malawi (5) and South Africa (6).
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