The Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) has announced that both the Malawi senior and Under-21 National Netball teams will commence preparations for the Spar Challenge next month.
South Africa will host the tournament from October 26 to November 3, and both the Queens senior and junior teams have been invited.
Nam General Secretary Yamikani Khunga-Kauma said full details of the camping arrangements will be released later but emphasised that a series of training sessions are planned in preparation for various tournaments.
“We plan to hold at least a three-week camping session,” Khunga-Kauma said.
The Queens will use the Spar Challenge as preparation for the Cosana and Africa Netball Championships.
The Malawi Queens have also been invited to the Quad Series in the United Kingdom next year.
The Junior Queens are preparing for next year’s Netball World Youth Cup finals in Gibraltar, having finished second behind South Africa’s Baby Proteas in the qualifiers.
Khunga-Kauma said both the senior and junior Queens need to build strong teams.
“The junior team has lost some key players due to age restrictions, so they need reinforcements. Similarly, the Queens require additions following some retirements,” she said.
Currently, Joanna Kachilika is the Queens’ coach, assisted by Ellenour Mapulanga, while Christina Mkwanda manages the junior side.
Khunga-Kauma mentioned that Nam plans to appoint an assistant for Mkwanda after Cecilia Mtukule-Bondwe was elected treasurer of the national netball governing body.
Netball analyst Dalitso Chinyama advised the coaching panels to select players based on merit.
“We have many talented players, but some are overlooked due to the clubs they play for. I hope the coaches will focus on performance and not just names.
“Additionally, the teams need camps and friendly matches to fine-tune their preparations,” Chinyama said.
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