Malawi Queens in training camp, new coaches
Malawi Queens have gone into training camp in readiness for the Africa Netball Championship expected to kick-off on May 8-18 in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
The team started camping on Wednesday, May 18 at the Blantyre Youth Centre.
According to Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) President Rose Chinunda, government has given them a go ahead to start the preparations.
Government suspended all sporting activities as the country is still mourning the death of the late president Bingu wa Mutharika, who passed away on April 5 after suffering from cardiac arrest.
“We are hopeful that even though we have started camping late, girls will do a commendable job in Tanzania,” said Chinunda.
With the absence of Edith Kaliati, who was Queens’s coach, NAM has given the mantle in the hands of her deputy Sam Kanyenda, netball legend Connie Mhone with the help of former national coach Griffin ‘Zagalo’ Saenda .
NAM has also recalled Bingu Tigresses star player Linda Magombo Munthali to beef up the squad. Magombo. Magombo retired from netball way back before rescinding her decision last year.
“What remains now is to write her bosses about the issue so that we have Linda in the squad because she has vast experience which can boost morale in camp,” said Chinunda.
In their 21 ladies squad, NAM has included Australian foreign based evergreen shooter Mwayi ‘Professor’ Kumwenda.
Some of the players who have made it into the squad are Escom Sisters no nonsense Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Ngwira, Bingu Tigresses sharp eye Grace ‘Pincord’ Mwafulirwa, Towera ‘Tobe’ Vinkhumbo, Joan Kachilika, Sindi ‘Sniper’ Simutowe, Bridget Kumwenda and Beatrice Kadango.
Some of the countries to take part during this year’s tournament include Proteas of South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Botswana, Uganda and Burundi.
The following in the squad:
1. Mwayi ‘Professor’ Kumwenda. (Peninsula Waves)
2. Sindi ‘Sniper, Simutowe. (Bingu Tigresses)
3. Joyce Mvula. (Blue Eagles Sisters)
4. Jane Chimaliro. (Civonets)
5. Cecilia Mtukule. (Blue Eagles Sisters)
6. Jessica ‘Agogo’ Mazengera. (Escom Siters)
7. Bridget Kumwenda.(Escom Sisters)
8. Enelesi Mdezo. (Escom Sisters)
9. Beatrice Kadango. (Bingu Tigresses)
10. Jessica Chikoka.( Blue Eagles Sisters)
11. Thandi Magaleta. (MTL Queens)
12. Stella Kamanga.(Mzuzu Queens)
13. Tina Kamzati.( Civonets)
14. Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Ngwira. (Escom Sisters)
15. Grace ‘Pincord’ Ngwira.( Bingu Tigresses)
16. Towera ‘Tobe’ Vinkhumbo. (Escom Sisters)
17. Laureen Ngwira.( Bingu Tigresses).
18. Beauty Chirwa.( Civonets)
19. Ellah Kameza.( Woget )
20. Joana Kachilika.( MTL Queens)
21. Pilirani Msuka.( MTL Queens)
22. Maggie Sikwese. ( Mzuzu Queens)
Coaches
-Sam Kanyenda
-Connice Mhone
-Griffin Saenda.
