Tanzania eye Malawi’s Queens
In an attempt to gain mileage on world rankings, Taifa Queens of Tanzania have lined up a series of test matches, including against Africa’s number one, Malawi Queens.
Tanzania’s Guardian newspaper quoted National Amateur Netball Association (Chaneta) chairperson, Anna Bayi, saying playing Malawi would be part of the Taifa’s preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“We will strive for a better performance in the Ifna-recognised championships in the near future so that our country joins the best netball playing nations in the top 11 and qualify for the Club Games,” Bayi told the newspaper on Friday.
“We expect to play a series of matches against top teams in Africa, including Malawi, who are Africa’s top ranked country, so as to improve our rankings. In the past, we were excluded in the Ifna rankings because we used to compete in the East African competitions, which are not recognised by the federation.”
The Taifa Queens, under Malawian legend Mary Waya, are basking in glory of recently lifting the Nations Cup in Singapore to earn a ranking of 17 on the world chart.
At continental level, Tanzania stands on fourth position adrift of Malawi, South Africa and Botswana.
Tanzania has to be among the top 11 in the rankings e to compete in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, she said.
The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has also lined up several activities in the year, including hosting the African Championship of which they are the defending champions.
