Queens sweat for fifth win

Malawi National Netball Team, the Queens, yesterday laboured to register their fifth win at the Africa Netball Championship when they beat a strong-willed Namibian side 53-44 in Windhoek.

In a match monitored on Gravity Live Television, the Queens were matched pound-for-pound by the hosts and one-basket margin in the first two quarters ebbed and flawed as action calapulted from end to end.

Malawi, ranked the second best team on the continent, led 12-11 in the first quarter and were 24-23 up at half time as the Namibians breathed down their necks.

But after shrugging off some early lethargy they were on song in the third quarter in which centre Bridget Kumwenda, goal attacker Sindi Simutowe-Msowoya and goal shooter Jane Chimaliro attacked with flair and fervour to lead 42-33.

The hosts did not give up and the nine-basket loss was a reflection of their fighting spirit.

But experience proved vital in the end as the Queens held on to their nerve.

Queens coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa admitted that it was a tough match.

“They [Namibia] are improving with every game. They came flat out and at half time we had to change the tactics which paid off. I am happy that the girls played according to instructions and we look forward to the remaining matches,” she said.

Malawi are third with 10 points from six matches, having won five and lost one to South Africa 56-39 on Friday. They beat Zambia 70-36, Botswana 67-23, Zimbabwe 56-42, Kenya 62-40 and Namibia 53-44.

Defending champions South Africa’s Spar Proteas lead the nine-team contest with 12 points. They are tied with second-placed Uganda’s She Cranes, who have an inferior goal difference.

This morning the Queens face Tanzania before winding up against Uganda tomorrow.