C’wealth squad pledges success in Glasgow

The Malawi Commonwealth Games squad of 32 athletes left for the United Kingdom yesterday through the Kamuzu International Airport with great optimism, pledging success.

The team will camp at the Gloucestershire University, before proceeding to Glasgow, Scotland for the Games which start on July 14.

Head of the delegation Flora Mwandira has expressed hope that they team will do well at the event.

“Most of our athletes have met Olympic standard performance. This gives us hope of success,” said Mwandira.

The team was buoyed up with a send-off dinner and dance organised by British High Commissioner Michael Nevin, at his residence in Lilongwe last Friday.

The Queens, who are part of the squad, have promised to bring a medal home.

Goalshooter Mwawi Kumwenda, who plies her trade in New Zealand, said the Queens have what it takes to bring medals.

“We have great players with vast experience in international netball. The team has been playing together for a long time. We can do well in Scotland,” she said.

Field and track events athlete, Abina Chinga, also expressed optimism that he will represent Malawi well.

Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) president Oscar Kanjala has appealed to companies and individuals to pledge contributions now rather than after the tournament.

MOC has set the pace by awarding Chinga and fellow field and track events athlete Leo Chikhaza with K500 000 (US$1 217) each.