Queens advised to prepare for future
The Malawi Queens have been advised not to be carried away by their present stardom in the netball circles, but to prepare well for their future so as to live a successful and a fulfilling life after retiring from the sport.
The Queens got this piece of counsel from professional ladies as they were treated to a Ladies Night Party organised by Friends of Malawi Netball at College of Medicine (CoM) Sports Complex in Blantyre on Friday to honour the national team for their recent exploits at the Fast5 World Netball Series in Auckland, New Zealand.
Guest of honour at the event Justice Rachael Sikwese asked the netballers to dream big by continuing their education and hang around with influential people who will inspire and encourage them to do well in life.
“We are proud of your success at the international competition. Your performance was inspirational. However, netball is a short career and you should start preparing for what to do after you stop playing netball.
“Avoid associating yourself with pessimistic people because they will always try to pull you down,” said Sikwese.
As if complementing on Sikwese’s sentiments, retired netball legend Peace Chawinga-Kalua, who played for the national team for over 22 years, asked the Queens to put God first in whatever they do and respect the elders.
While taking in the advice on behalf of fellow players, Queens captain Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira corroborated with the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Rosy Chinunda in asking companies and individuals to take pride in financially and materially supporting local netball.
According to Friends of Malawi Netball chairperson Felister Jumbe, they have raised about K1 million (about $3 333) from the event. She said part of the money will be shared among the netballers.
Old Mutual, Macra, Joyce Banda Foundation, Smile Life, Annie’s Lodge and Siku Transport were some of the companies that financially supported the function. Individuals like Sikwese, Natasha Msamala, Selube Chisanga, Rose Bizwick and Wona Kumwenda also contributed some cash.
