Sports and Games

Queens stuck on 7th

Queens stuck on 7th

Malawi National Netball Team has remained on position seven in the latest Netball World Rankings released Friday.

In Africa, the Queens are behind sixth-placed Uganda and fifth-placed South Africa.

The only change in the top seven has seen England displacing New Zealand on second position whereas Australia are unmoved on the first position. Jamaica remain fourth.

According to statistics, the Queens have 3936 points from 47 matches while continental rivals Uganda and South Africa are ahead.

Uganda have 4224 points from 50 games while South Africa have 5556 points from 56 matches.

Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) Technical Director Samuel Kanyenda said he was not surprised with the Queens’ stagnation.

“The Queens have been idle for some time. You cannot gain a point when you are inactive. If the Queens were active the status would have changed,” he said.

Kanyenda hailed the current Nam leadership for ensuring the team’s return to international netball after confirming their participation in Test Series against South Africa.

“This is the right approach. The team is in camp with a fusion of experienced and youthful players. The experienced players are there to provide direction and guidance whereas the youthful players will offer energy and speed. Nam has taken the right steps to develop the team in our quest to regain a better rank,” Kanyenda said.

Retired netballer Neffie Kam’mata advised Nam to ensure that the Queens take part in Test Series and major tournaments.

“By merely participating in the tournament, the Queens will get points and if they do well especially against top rated sides they gain more points which is good for the ranking,” Kam’mata said.