Queens coach optimistic on Ngwira, Lwazi’s fitness

Malawi Queens coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa says she is optimistic goal defender Loreen Ngwira and centre Takondwa Lwazi-Mtonga will be fit for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games this July.

The two former England-based players were inactive for the entire last season, but were included in the squad that is in camp in preparation for the Games.

In an interview yesterday, the Queens gaffer said she was happy with the duo’s progress during the first week.

Said Chawinga-Kaluwa: “Both Loreen and Takondwa are picking up and it gives us hope that they will be in shape.”

She defended their inclusion in the squad, saying she has been preparing them for sometime.

“We started preparing them sometime back. In fact, when we travelled to Namibia for the Pent Series and Africa Netball Championship, we had already devised a programme for them which included training games,” said the coach.

Chawinga-Kaluwa also said she is satisfied with the training progress.

“The first week has been superb as the girls have been responding well and there is a lot of enthusiasm. NAM [Netball Association of Malawi] has also been supportive,” she said.

On her part, Lwazi-Mtonga said it was a bit early to comment on her level of fitness.

“We are still in the early days. Perhaps as we go along, I will be able to determine my level of fitness,” said the Blue Eagles Sisters star.

Ngwira was not available for comment.