Queens arrival relieves England
Malawi netball Queens’ arrival in England on Monday for a two-match international series relieved hosts, England Netball, of pressure.
The host association was under pressure as some 5 000 fans bought tickets to watch Africa’s number one and world’s fifth best team, whose trip was in the balance due to visa delays that led to cancellation of the first match that was supposed to be played on Sunday.
England Netball replaced Malawi with Wales for Sunday match, but the remaining two games tomorrow and Saturday in Copper Box Arena, Liverpool and University Arena, Worcester respectively remain unchanged; hence, England Netball’s relief.
“England Netball would like to extend our warmest thanks and appreciation to the International Netball Federation, the Home Office and the staff at the High Commission in Pretoria for their tireless work and help over the last few days,” reads www.englandnetball.co.uk
Speaking before departure on Sunday, Queens coach Mary Waya pleaded for patience and encouragement to a team she is rebuilding for the 2015 World Netball Cup in Australia to be staged next March.
“We just plead with the nation not to be too disappointed in the team when results do not go our way. They should not give up on the team. We are building a team for the future. When we are too critical, saying the team is not doing well, the players get demoralised,” said Waya.
Malawi return to the international stage months after a dismal showing at the World Fast5 Championship in New Zealand where they lost six straight games.
But Waya said while the nation has reason to be disappointed, there is need for context as she is trying to introduce new talent. The new talent includes Martha Dambe and defender Lorraine Ngwira who is being groomed as a shooter.
“This marks the start of our preparations for the World Cup. Against England, our players will test the waters of international netball. The rebuilding is in all three departments. We want to have a strong team which can compete at the world cup,” Waya explained.
