Queens drawn against New Zealand, England at Commonwealth Games

Malawi Queens should brace for tough assignments at the 2022 Commonwealth Games after being drawn against the world’s second and third-ranked New Zealand and England, respectively.

The match schedule indicates that the Queens are in Group B alongside New Zealand, England and three other sides that will be among the top-12 teams after the next rankings update in January.

They will start their campaign on July 30 against the hosts before taking on a yet-to-be-known side the following day and New Zealand on August 1.

Group A has Australia, Jamaica, South Africa and three other teams to be known after the update.

Queens coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa yesterday admitted that they are in a tough group, but said her technical team will only come up with a strategy once the fixtures’ calendar becomes complete.

Sixth-ranked Malawi automatically qualified for the event alongside New Zealand, England, Australia, Jamaica and South Africa for being among the world’s best six-ranked teams.

“I can only competently explain our approach after the match schedule is complete. We have to know all our opponents before we strategise,” she said.

However, the Queens coach said they will do their best to have thorough preparations ahead of the games, which are vital in gaining points in world rankings.

Netball Association of Malawi general secretary Isaac Chimwala said they are aware of the fixtures and they have since called the Queens’ coach for a meeting to plan on preparations.

“We have called the coach for a meeting on the way forward. Commonwealth Games are very crucial and we have to be well prepared,” he said, adding that the government through Malawi National Council of Sports has already approved the budget for the Games.