Queens get their K2m Diamond Challenge dues

Malawi Queens have received their 80 000 rand (approximately K2 million) Diamond Netball Challenge prize.

Queens finished as runners-up to hosts South Africa in the four-country tournament which took place in August.

Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Rosy Chinunda confirmed the good news and promised to give the players their dues.

“It is very timely and will act as morale booster for the Auckland tournament,” said Chinunda.

She said NAM is happy to close the chapter on the Diamond Challenge prize.

The Queens left for New Zealand on day to participate in the Fast5 World Netball Series.

The world’s best netball teams New Zealand, Australia, England, Jamaica, and South Africa are taking part in the tournament whose results will have a bearing on global rankings.

Currently, Queens are number one in Africa, but poor performance against South Africa will be disastrous to them.Coach Griffin Saenda is optimistic that no such thing will happen.

“I think we can beat them as we have done before, but it will be tough against the other top four teams.

“The good thing is that South Africa will not beat any of the top four teams. If only we could beat one of the top teams, then we can talk about being on an enviable fourth position,” said Saenda.

The games in Auckland will be played for five days. Queens’ first assignments are on November 5 against Australia and Jamaica. On November 10, they will face South Africa and hosts New Zealand.