South Africa’s Spar Proteas coach Dorette Badenhorst says the Malawi Queens were not as competitive as the hosts expected during last week’s three-match Spar Test Series.
The hosts completed a 3-0 whitewash over their continental rivals at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West on Sunday culminating in a record 69-28 victory.
Badenhorst told SuperSport Television on Monday: “We expected more from Malawi, but they did not really turn up.
“[However], it was not that easy and I thank my players, they played really well.
“I am proud of the girls. It is the best way to end our year.
“These are ranking matches and it is always important to do well so that we can earn points.”
She said their focus now is on test matches against Uganda slated for early next year as they intensify preparations for the 2024 Netball World Cup which they will host.
On whether South Africa are now way ahead in terms of class, Queens coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua said: “Not really. They have improved and invested yes, but they are not far off.
“Our major weakness were levels of fitness. We could start well, but then as the games progressed, we could not match them in terms of fitness. It is something we need to work on
“If we had applied our strategy, we could have [somehow] contained them. Passing and movements were also a problem.”
On whether the death of Queens’ former mentor Griffin ‘Zagallo’ Saenda affected the team’s performance, the coach said: “We were all heavily affected, but we still needed to step up and fight for our beloved country.
“I really don’t like coming up with excuses when we lose.”
The Queens lost the first match 65-25 before slumping to a 62-29 defeat in the second tie.
