Malawi Queens back with ‘silverware’ from Diamonds Challenge
Malawi Queens, who won silver ‘trophy’ for finishing second in the at Diamonds Challenge Netball Series held in South Africa, returned home through Chileka Airport on Sunday but they got a cold reception, annoying the players.
The Queens were welcomed with a hired 15 seater high roof min-bus and the players were visibly irked to see a high roof waiting for them instead of a Sports Council 36-seater bus as it has been a traditional.
The body language from the players could tell that they were dismayed and uncomfortable to board the minibus.
The only good news was that the players were welcomed by sponsors Airtel Malawi officials, Netball Association of Malawi general secretary Carol Bapu and Southern Region Netball League officials that included Anne Hanjahanja.
The Queens only lost twice to South Africa during the competition but they managed to win Silver for finishing second.
Airtel Malawi Cooperate Sales Officer Richard Nkombezi said although the Queen did not clinch the Diamonds Challenge trophy, they were happy that they managed to get second position.
“Well done for putting up a gallant fight,” said Nkombezi.
“You gave out your best to claim that position. We do not want to highlight much of the low moments experienced during the tournament because we believe experience is the best teacher and thereby grants you the opportunity to put your house in order so that you do better in your next assignment,” said Nkombezi.
He also said it was pleasing to note that Queens continue to be the pride of Malawi.
“Everywhere they go; Malawi is assured to be entertained by their impressive skill and achievements. We do not want take that for granted,” he said.
To players and Netball Association of Malawi, Airtel Malawi said they have a daunting challenge to turn the tables and rewrite history by making sure that this year, the Queens break into the top four World ranking.
The Queens coach Peace Kaluwa said they have learnt a number of tactics during the tournament.
“The girls played out their lungs out but it was painful that they lost to South Africa with a narrow margin and poor officiating. People should not get worried because soon we will bounce back and break into the top four,” said Kaluwa.
She went on to say: “We lost to South Africa but there are more positives than negatives. We had a group of young players and they performed well during the games.
“It is our hope that in future competitions we will perform better than we did in South Africa,” said Kaluwa who took over from Mary Waya as Queens’ head coach.
The Diamond Challenge is an annual netball tournament hosted by South Africa. The She Cranes of Uganda secured third place after beating Zambia.
The Queens are expected to proceed to Namibia where they will be taking part in the African Netball Championship competition which starts on 24th June and ends on 27th June in Windhoek.
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Bora ma quuen siazibambo aja ayi ntchito kunyenga basi mpira ndiye 0 pa 10
I think and believe President Peter Muthalika has seen this Mini bus and the government should a bus for these girls. It is very shameful to a team of such caliber as well as to the country seeing them hiring this kind of a mini bus. Nevertheless,It is high time for the government to value the competency of our netball team. We will not go where in sports if we do not value and support our sports men and sports women. Above all,the government should also encourage private sectors to sponsor sports and build sport facilities respectively.
The biggest weakness for the queens is that they are unable to intercept passes of their opponents. They should learn this trip which is mostly employed by South Africa. If they can master that tactic, they will go far. Otherwise, SA will eventually snatch the top position in Africa
The biggest weakness for the queens is that they are unable to intercept passes of their opponents. They should learn this trip which is mostly employed by South Africa. If they can master that tactic, they will go far. Otherwise, SA will eventually snatch the top position
Taziwa kale chifukwachache simunalandile timuyi mwaulemu wake, malawi jelousy sitizachita bwino kumasports chifukwa timayang’ana kumene munthuyo dela limene amachokela. Akanankhala akudela lina apresident akadapita ndikukalandila anawa, ngati amapita mumaukwati anthu wamba kulibwanji anawa woti akutukula malawi kuti ziwike. Usogoleli waku malawi wachuluka kusankhana mitundu.
There is nothing to celebrate here, they were beaten twice by South Africa and lost the cup period. Welcome to the poorest country in the World.
this mini bus used to ferry the women of service is not what i thought NAM could use. I guess by looking at the bus, one would not ask but to say”YES that how beautiful the NAM President is…….. Rose Chinunda and your fucken bustard NAM. I will kill you in the process of Shot to Kill. am fade up with you. You take the girls for a ride too much. Mayi wonyasa dziko lonse lapansi…..
Congratulations the queens you make us proud always,keep it up
A Nam mitu yawo siikoka zoona kuilandira team yoti yakhala number 2 ndi high roof osamupeza katsonga kunkongolako luxury coach bwanji mwatichititsa manyanzi
Esh!i who is the minister of sports now? letting these things happen to the people who are making proud of your Job and nation at large, are you serious?this is insane you mean you don’t have resources to comfort these ladies,why not AXA buses because the guy is not DPP?that much i know. Shame with you. water Nyamirandu you call yourself president,but do you know your job description? or you need refresher course or you are the people needed for reshuffle as well please men be proud with your positions perhaps if we check in your papers we will coaches… Read more »