Malawi Queens back on 5th place in world ranking
Malawi Queens has climbed one position in the world netball ranking, positioned fifth from sixth by the international Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA) released on Friday.
According to the latest ranking posted on the IFNA website, Malawi Queens stands at fifth in the world being first in Africa with South Africa’s Protea coming second.
Malawi’s latest improvement was largely contributed by the national team’s show in the last month four –nation championship held in Australia where they walloped South Africa.
The Queens hammered Protea 61-37 during the tournament.
The top seven in the world ranking in sequence order are Australia, New Zealand, England, Jamaica, Malawi, South Africa and Fiji.
However, Malawi Queens coach Edith Kaliati told The Nation newspaper that there was a need for the team to remain active if they want to maintain their position.
“It is fantastic news that we are back on position five, but that should just be a stepping stone for breaking more ground. We can only progress if the private sector stepped in to complement government’s efforts in funding the team’s more test matches, “she told the paper.
The Queens is composed of a youthful squad after the retirement of vast experienced shooter Mary ‘Atcheya’ Waya, Esther Nkhoma and Peace Chawinga Kalua.
Other notable names in the current squad are Australian based evergreen shooter Mwawi ‘ Professor’ Kumwenda, Towera ‘Pincord’ Vinkhumbo, Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Ngwira, Bridget Kumwenda, Beatrice Kadango Mpinganjira, Sindi ‘Sniper’ Simutowe and Grace Mwafulirwa.
