Sports and Games

Queens coaches’ target not for public consumption

Queens coaches’ target not for public consumption

Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) will not reveal targets for the new Malawi National Netball Team co-coaches Mary Waya and Peace Chawinga- Kaluwa to the public, Times Sport has learnt.

However, a sports analyst has questioned Nam’s motive in hiding the targets when the two hold public positions.

Nam President Mwandemange-Gubuduza said the association is not ready to disclose targets for the joint coaches in public despite agreeing with the two highest netball mentors in the country.

“The joint coaches have general performance measures and specific targets have been discussed, which unfortunately are not for the public,” Mwandemange-Gubuduza said.

The development comes after the two were expected to take charge of the team yesterday in Lilongwe in preparation for the Africa Netball Cup in Namibia to run from December 9 to 14 2024.

Waya and Chawinga-Kaluwa announced a 27-member squad on Monday, having replaced Joanna Kachilika whose contract was terminated before she was appointed Malawi Under-21 National Netball Team Coach.

Sports analyst Frank Chakanga said the targets for the two were supposed to be made public due to the positions they were occupying.

“All along we thought by ushering in a new Nam executive then things would change but it seems there is too much mediocrity. The positions they are holding are public offices hence accountable to the general public.

“What comes to my mind is that the executive is afraid of the Mary Wayas because of the stages they reached. The executive has an inferiority complex and they cannot cheat us that they have given them the targets,” Chakanga said.

Meanwhile, Mwandemange- Gubuduza said they are yet to secure friendly matches for the Queens ahead of the continental championship.

“The technical team will look into the possibility of having friendlies on arrival in Namibia and in between the Africa Netball fixtures,” she said.

However, the Nam President was confident that the association had put in place measures to ensure Malawi Queens’ successful participation at the continental body.

“Apart from playing indoors at Reserve Bank of Malawi in Lilongwe for the most part of their camping to align with match environment. We are thankful to RBM for allowing access to their indoor netball facilities and gym,” she said.

Nevertheless, Chawinga- Kaluwa said their plan was to do well in Namibia.

“We are going for the continental competition and our mission is to do well by bringing positive results. We will conduct competition training sessions to ensure we do well,” she said.