Malawi Queens coach takes ‘positives’ from England series

Malawi Queens coach Mary Waya has said her side endure a torrid examination of their development during their two –match series against England which they failed to win but she is  happy to take the positives out of the series .

Waya told Nyasa Times in an exclusive interview at White House Hotel in Worcester on Saturday night after Malawi Queens lost 65-44 to England at the University Arena in Worcester.

Malawi also lost to England during Wednesday’s match 36-68 at London’s Copper Box Arena.

Waya described her team as a “development squad”, saying it was severely examined during the series.

“Obviously it was disappointing because we lost both matches, but we’ve got to look at some of the positives as well and hopefully use them to move forwards and start a new chapter,” Waya said.

The coach said she used the test series to give some players game time and experience.

“We were also trying players in different roles like Lauren (Ngwira) who is played as goalkeeper was trained as a shooter and played in that role very well,” said Waya.

She said the squad missed senior players New Zealand based Mwai Kumwenda, Tina Kamzati and Beatrice Mpinganjira.

“We really missed their services but it has been useful for some players to learn,” she said.

Malawi played a much better side on Saturday in front of a capacity crowd showcasing their own awe inspiring athleticism and agility with Sindi Simutowe scoring more goals .

“There are positives to take from the games,” Waya pointed out.

The matches were part of the preparation for the 2015 Netball World Cup, which takes place in Australia in August.

Malawi starting 7: GS – Ngwira, GA – Simtowe, WA – Kumwenda, C – Lwazi, WD – Kachilika, GD – Mtukule, GK – Vikhumbo

England starting 7: GS – Harten, GA – Dunn, WA – Greenway, C – Clarke, WD – Francis, GD – Beckford-Chambers, GK – Mentor