BY MPHATSO MALIDADI:
Malawi national netball team will start its African Netball Championship campaign against Zimbabwe in Zambia on August 14, a draw for the continental competition indicates.
The Queens’ next match is against holders Uganda on August 15 at Olympic Youth Development Centre in Lusaka, followed by Botswana on the same day, then Zambia on August 16 and Namibia the following day, before winding up the championship with Kenya on August 18.
The Queens’ spot at next year’s World Cup is already sealed but the qualifying championship provides them an opportunity to gain more ground on the rankings and break clear from Uganda and Zambia, who are closing in on the standings.
The Queens acting Coach, Whyte Mulilima, who was in-charge of the side during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia last year, said there was need to prepare thoroughly for the tournament.
“We need to plan and analyse how our opponents are playing. We have teams such as Kenya who can surprise us with their tall players,” he said.
Netball Association of Malawi General Secretary, Carol Bapu, said the Queens will go into camp on Sunday.
“Everything regarding the list of the technical panel and players would be released by this weekend,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bapu has said Malawi will host Sri Lanka for test matches this weekend. Sri Lanka, who also visited Malawi nine years ago, are expected to jet in Thursday.
“The team will play friendly matches against the Queens, Malawi under-20 and some of our top clubs who are ready for the challenge,” Bapu said.
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