Malawi Queens back on African summit
Malawi national netball team, popularly known as the Queens, are back on top of the continent’s netball spot following a successful surmount in Australia where they put up a superlative showcase in a four nation tournament and toppled out archrivals South Africa’s Proteas.
The Malawi Queens arrived back this week from Australia with smiles across the mile with tails wiggling and holding their heads up a stunning performance that propelled them back to the Africa’s number one speck to become Africa’s best.
‘Boogie-woogie’
Malawi netball export to Australia, Mwayi Kumwenda who spearheaded the win with her precision, excellence and skill was a marvel to watch throughout the tournament.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported last week that the Malawi Queens had managed to avenge the World Championship defeat they suffered from South Africa on the back of an impressive performance from lanky goal-shooter Kumwenda.
The Queens spiced the victory with their popular ‘boogie-woogie’ dance routine.
The Malawi- South Africa match was a curtain-raiser for the opening match between world netball stalwarts Australia and top-ranked New Zealand which the latter narrowly won by 49-48 baskets.
Pride
Malawi Queens Coach Edith Kaliati said she was “very happy and proud,” saying the girls have done Malawians proud with the achievement and continues to put the country on the world map.
“To say that I’m happy is an understatement. I must say I am very proud. This is great. We will continue working hard to get even better,” she said.
Kaliati said, for the Queens to stay put on top, they need more international friendly games.
The win against the South African archrivals is a sugary and sweet revenge for the Malawi Queens who were narrowly whipped in World Netball Championship tie by South Africa in Singapore last July to drop outside the top five in World netball rankings.
In a similar development New Zealand also took their revenge over hosts Australia who as well beat them during the July World Cup Championship.
Special Treat
On arrival into the country Malawi government hosted the Queens in Malawi’s commercial City, Blantyre at the Kamuzu College of Medicine Sports Complex for a special treat to welcome and celebrate the feat.
Sports and Youth Development Minister, Symon Vuwa Kaunda applauded the Queens for their accomplishment and exploits in Australia saying the government was proud of them because they make the country proud.
In a separate interview the minister said government will continue to support the national netball team in order to heighten their confidence.
“We, as government, we will do everything in our power to help our queens. We will continue to support them (the Queens) in their quest for more glory,” said Kaunda .
Malawi is constructing a modern multi-million sports complex in the capital, Lilongwe which will include in it a netball court in order to boost sports, including in the country.
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