Malawi Queens tune up for South Africa

The Queens this evening take to the Sydney Olympic Park court in Australia for a build-up match against Trinidad and Tobago in preparation for their World Netball Cup (WNC) preliminary round opening match against continental rivals South Africa’s Proteas.

Queens coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua yesterday said the match will provide her an opportunity to tune up for the Proteas and try some combinations.

“It will also be the only friendly match that we will play before we get into the thick of things, so it will give us a picture of how prepared we are.

“It will further assist us to identify our shortfalls, get the feel of the match venue, the rules and so on,” said Chawinga-Kalua.

According to the tournament website www.nwc2015.com.au, official training started last Friday and a buzz is in the air and the Queens hit the courts in the morning of the same day after arriving on Thursday.

“We have been in the fifth position [in world rankings] for a long time,” Chawinga-Kalua was quoted as saying. “We would love to break into the top four.”

The Queens will face the Proteas on Friday from 4.40pm Malawi time.