Malawi Queens lose to rivals South Africa in Diamonds

Malawi Queens lost 42-33 to South Africa in the Diamonds Challenge Series at the Ugu Sports Centre near Margate, Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa.

The Proteas were generally much taller than the Queens, and they made good use of their height advantage, particularly in the Queens circle, where Adele Niemand and Karla Mostert were able to turn the ball and get it back to Malawi.

Joyce Mvula and Sindi Simutowe were a little bit nervous as they were jittery upfront. Mvula was the main culprit especially in the third and last quarter in missing too many scoring opportunities.

Takondwa Lwazi at centre and Caroline Laurene Ngwira at goal defence were also outstanding, achieving numerous intercepts and turnovers.

The match was fast and physical.

South Africa maintained a good level of scoring throughout the match.  They were 9-13 ahead after the first quarter, and led 33-16 at halftime, with the second quarter being Malawi’s worst, with only six goals.

The Queens ’ stepped up the pace in the last quarter but the damage was already done.

alawi Queens coach Peace Kaluwa said afterwards that she was quite pleased with the performance, although there was much to be done on her shooters.

“I am pleased with the performance of my players despite the loss. Our shooters had problems as they lost too many scoring chances opportunities,” she said.

Queens line-up: Joyce Mvula (Laureen Ngwira) (GS), Sindi Simtowe (Cecilia Mtukule)(GA), Thandi Galeta (WA), Takondwa Lwazi (C), Martha Dambo (Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango) (WD), Carol Mtukule-Ngwira (GD), Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda (GK)