By Suleman Chitera
The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has released the final squads for both the Malawi Queens and Malawi Kings, who will go into camp in Blantyre starting September 30 ahead of their international test matches against Zimbabwe and Botswana.
According to NAM, the Malawi Queens and Kings will face Zimbabwe from October 23 to 25 before taking on Botswana on October 27. The camping will help the two squads fine-tune their tactics as they prepare to represent Malawi on the international stage.Flames Secure Victory Over Burkina Faso in AFCON Qualifiers
Malawi Queens Squad
The Queens squad consists of 24 players drawn from local giants such as Blue Eagles, Kukoma Diamonds, Tigresses, Civil, and Mafco, alongside overseas star Joyce Mvula of Leeds Rhinos.
The defenders include Tendai Masamba (Tigresses), Shabel Bengo (Kukoma Diamonds), Aisha Gama (Blue Eagles), Martha Dambo (Civil), Nancy Lipenga (Civil), Mphatso Kanyimbo (Vanessa), Thokozani Makunganya (Blue Eagles), Chifuniro Moses (Blue Eagles), and Sophilet Banda (Kukoma Diamonds).
The shooting department is led by star goal attacker Joyce Mvula, supported by Nancy Mwaulambo (Blue Eagles), Cynthia Khunga (Civil), Ethel Ngambi (Mafco), Florence Jeke (Civil), Stella Matelezi (Blue Eagles), Lerrie Banda (Tigresses), and Eve Kazembe (Tigresses).
In the mid-court are Takondwa Lwazi (Blue Eagles), Flora Chipeta (Tigresses), Florence Gamuka (Kukoma Diamonds), Thandi Galeta (Lioness), Mestina Mtete (Tigresses), Beatrice Kumwenda (Mafco), and Melia Soko (Vanessa).
The Queens’ technical panel is led by Head Coach Peace Chawinga, assisted by Madano Thepeteya, with Beatrice Mpinganjira as trainer, Triza Mailosi as team manager, and Dr. Maganizo Chimera as team doctor.
Malawi Kings Squad
For the men’s side, the Kings have named 26 players from clubs such as Limboba, Akabawi, Zomba Giants, Impala, and Masanganavu, with Steve Makumbi also drafted from RSA.
The defensive line-up features Enerst Maida, Dan Chinsu, Ty Mwawa, Elwin Katema, Sam Mbiri, Davidson Kabawa, Junior Mkweu, Louis Nkhoma, Victor Phiri, Lenon Naliya, and Honest Mwendelire.
Shooters include Denis Khunga, Abel Kamkwamba, Steven Muchiya, Noel Mussa, Chimwemwe Mashanga, Blessings Banda, Wilfred Ganamba, and Anord Khobiri.
The mid-court has Precious Phiri, Dalitso Mangani, Erick Chiumba, Chikondi Tengani, Dan Jackson, Nyson Banda, and Steve Makumbi.
The Kings’ technical bench is headed by Garvey Nyondo, with Franklin Kuntendere as assistant coach, Vincent Shombe as trainer, Dr. Henry Makowa as team doctor, and Ebenezer Davite as team manager.
International Exposure
NAM says the matches in Zimbabwe will provide both the Queens and Kings with vital international exposure, especially as the men’s side continues to grow in competitiveness while the women’s team seeks to maintain its dominance on the continent.
The camping sessions are expected to sharpen the squads’ fitness and strategy ahead of what promises to be highly competitive encounters.
