Malawi National Netball Team’s rebuilding exercise would come to the fore this evening when they face hosts England’s Roses in Vitality Netball Nations Cup 2025 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, United Kingdom.
The tournament has come too soon for the Queens who are on a three-year rebuilding exercise.
Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) with support from the senior team’s sponsors Nico Group and government, has devised a plan for the Queens to reclaim the continental crown by 2027.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Queens seem to have conceded defeat already and their mission is to show an improvement following the team’s poor performance in Africa Netball Cup and Spar Challenge Test Series.
In all fairness expecting the Queens to beat England this evening would be a matter of building castles in the air.
The Queens warmed up for the Quad Series after they played three practice matches.
Results for two practice matches were withheld with Nam justifying the stance, arguing it was parties. contractual between the
Earlier, the Queens had defeated the British Army 98-24.
Queens co-coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa said beating England would be a bonus.
“We are excited to face the hosts. The hosts had the right to choose Malawi [in their opening match]. We want to give them a surprise and we want to come in a way we should get a result.
“Winning against England would be a bonus. If we lose it should be a close margin,” she said.
Chawinga-Kaluwa said the games were important as the Queens were rebuilding and at the same time desiring to improve their ranking.
Leeds Rhinos shooter Joyce Mvula is expected to lead the attack partnering goal-attack Ethel Ng’ambi or Ruth Kaliyende who is yet to make a competitive debut.
Seasoned wing court players Takondwa Lwazi and Thandie Galeta would be the key players with up-and-coming Thoko Makunganya deputising.
In defence, the Queens might throw shooter Tendai Masamba at goalkeeping with either Towera Vinkhumbo, Martha Dambo, Grace Mwafulirwa or Shabel Bengo completing the defence.
The Queens will return to the court tomorrow to face Uganda at the same venue.
The Quad Series will proceed next 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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