President Banda honours Malawi Queens
President Joyce Banda on Sunday hosted a luncheon with the Malawi national netball team (Queens) who recently defended the Africa Netball Championship in Tanzania.
During a ceremony held at Mtunthama State House in the capital city Lilongwe, President Banda donated K10 million to the team and gave K100,000 each to the players in the squad as a token of appreciation.
The President also assured the Netball Association of Malawi that her administration will support in hosting the continental showpiece next year.
“We will support you all the way,” said President Banda.
She also encouraged the players “to work hard” advising them to maintain good character and not engage in bad behaviours.
The President also called on the corporate world and individuals to support sports disciplines in the country.
The predominantly new-look Malawi Queens won all their six games at the National Stadium in Tanzania’s city of Dar es Salaam.
Malawi Queen veteran coach Griffin ‘Zagallo’ Saenda who promised before the tournament to dedicate the cup to President Banda, told Nyasa Times that he was glad that his wish has been fulfilled.
“The African Netball Championship is a special dedication to President Joyce Banda for being first woman Head of State in the country,” he said.
Saenda said the team will work very hard to defend the title on home soil next year.
In the finals Malawi beat Lesotho 59-18. They beat Zambia 56-33 in their opening game before defeating hosts Tanzania 34-30 on the same day.
Then they team saw-off Zimbabwe 44-22 before beating Botswana 44-22.
Sad news
The function at Mtunthama however ended on a sombre note when it was announced that the President had lost her sister Mrs Felicia Chanthunya.
She once worker at State House during late president Bingu wa Mutharika.
