Queens coach plays down Tiga players’ absence
Malawi national netball team coach Griffin ‘Zagallo’ Saenda has said he is not losing his sleep over the absence of Tigresses players ahead of the Fast5 international netball showpiece in New Zealand.
Saenda was speaking at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on Friday just before the Malawi Queens’ departure for Australia for test series matches in preparation for the big tournament.
Sounding ice-cool, Saenda said he has confidence in all the players he has selected for the tournament and urged the nation to rally behind the Queens.
“These [Tigresses] are key players, but I am not moved by their absence and those that I have selected are equally good and they have a point to prove.
“There will be no excuse if we fail to make it at the tournament,” he said.
Saenda dropped Tigresses players on instruction from Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) following their conduct in the aborted Presidential Cup finals recently. Tigresses have since been cleared by Sports Council of wrongdoing.
Some of the players that were dropped as a result of the case were Sindi Simtowe, Beatrice Mpinganjira-Kadango and Grace Mwafulirwa.
The Queens were given a rousing send-off by their official sponsors Airtel Money who sent representatives, including Airtel Malawi public relations and corporate communications manager Edith Tsilizani, to see them off.
Airtel Money gave the players branded tracksuits, wallets, caps, Galaxy Samsung mobile phones and K5 000 worth of Airtel airtime each.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Airtel Money has pumped K4 million into the Queens’ trip.
Airtel Malawi managing director Saulo Chilima wished the Queens the best of luck.
“We will be following your games with keen interest and please bring back the best results.
“This is not to put any pressure on you, but to encourage you to deliver the best. You have done it before and we are confident you will do it again. Bon voyage!” said Chilima.
