THUNDER Queens Captain, Joanna Kachilika, will skipper Malawi Netball Queens at the Africa Netball Championship set for Uganda from June 24.
Kachilika is among the few experienced players in the 11-member squad that is expected to leave for Kampala today. The defender will be deputised by Jane Chimaliro of Civonets. Kachilika has stepped in for Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira as the team’s captain.
Ngwira, vice skipper Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango, Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, Takondwa Lwazi and Mwawi Kumwenda will miss the Uganda tournament due to several reasons.
Meanwhile, Wezzie MzembaMsiska, Colleta Mwalilino, Julie Sambo and Alinafe Kamwala are in line to get their first caps for the senior team.
Tigresses’ wing attacker, Beatrice Mpinganjira, after missing the Fast5 Netball World Series in Australia last year, has been included in the squad. Beauty Basiao, Cathy Yikwanga, Shira Kapasula-Dimba, Rose Mkanda, Chikumbutso Banda Kaminjolo, Sarudzai Gondwe and Grace Chazungulira have been dropped from the squad.
The Queens Coach, Griffin Saenda, said he was confident in his charges.
“We have been in camp for four weeks and we have picked players we believe will be up for the task. So, we are certain that the will deliver,” he said.
Netball Association of Malawi General Secretary, Carol Bapu, said the squad would be joined by United Kingdom-based Joyce Mvula in Uganda.
“The beauty about it is that Mvula is enjoying her game in England and she has gained something which will help the rest of the team,” he said.
Full squad: Defenders: Kachilika (Thunder Queens), Wezzie Mzemba-Msiska (Kukoma Diamonds), Colleta Mwalilino (Civonets), Martha Dambo (Thunder Queens), Julie Sambo (Blue Eagles).
Centres: Bridget Kumwenda (Kukoma Diamonds), Beatrice Mpinganjira (Tigresses), Thandie Galeta (Thunder Queens). Shooters: Jane Chimaliro (Civonets), Mvula (Manchester Thunder), Kamwala (Kukoma Diamonds) and Jessie Mazengera Sanudi (Kukoma Diamond).
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