The Malawi National Netball Team refused to get carried away with their 98-24 impressive win over the British Army at Loughborough University Netball Centre in Nottingham, England, on Wednesday night.
Instead, Queens co-coaches Mary Waya and Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa focussed on areas they need to fix before the Vitality Netball Nations Cup 2025 starts Saturday.
Waya said he was delighted with how players followed instructions during the practice match.
“We played well and tried different combinations. The girls showed charisma but we still have some few areas we need to improve on. So far so good,” she said.
Waya said the match allowed them to try tactical changes before the four-nation series throws off.
“We moved Tendai Masamba from goal shooting to goalkeeping and she did well. At the same time, we tried to assess the performance of Joyce Mvula, who was training here [in the UK]. She fitted well into our system.
“We were consistent, in terms of scoring baskets. Our defenders were tight, making a lot of interceptions,” she said.
Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) Vice Treasurer Anastasia Kaphale said the Queens were focussing on rebuilding the team.
“The process has just begun. It is our wish to rebuild the side to become a formidable force once again. This is a challenge to everyone and every stakeholder is aware of that. The mission is to show that we have improved,” Kaphale said.
The Quad Series will begin Saturday at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, with the Queens facing hosts England.
The Malawi Queens will meet Uganda on Sunday at the same venue.
The Quad Series will proceed the other week, with the Queens dating South Africa at Copper Box Arena in London on February 8.
The top two teams would qualify for the final, with the bottom two battling for bronze at the same venue on February 9.
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