The Malawi National Netball Team, also known as the Malawi Queens, is determined to win their last Pool 2 match against Uganda in the Africa Netball Cup. The match will take place at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Despite being ranked lower than Uganda, the Queens have shown excellent form in the group stage, registering three-straight wins against Zambia, Kenya, and Nigeria.
The Malawi Queens have a challenging history against Uganda's She Cranes, having won only two of their last 10 meetings. Their last match against Uganda ended in a 50-45 loss at the Netball Nations Cup in England last year. However, the team's expatriate coach, Debbie Fuller, believes her side has what it takes to beat Uganda. Fuller attributed the team's improved performance to their enhanced pace and endurance.
Coach Debbie Fuller emphasized the importance of preparation for the match against Uganda, stating that her team must control the game to achieve victory. She noted that Uganda has nothing to lose, having automatically qualified for the Netball World Cup, and will likely try to assert their dominance in the competition. The Malawi Queens, on the other hand, are motivated to win the Africa cup.
The return of celebrated Australia-based shooter Mwawi Kumwenda-M'bwana has boosted the team's morale. Kumwenda-M'bwana is making her first appearance in the continental showpiece after missing out on previous editions due to club commitments and logistical challenges. Her presence is expected to make a significant impact on the team's performance.
The Africa Netball Cup follows a specific format, with teams ranked according to their total points received across all matches. The top-two positions in each pool will play in semi-final playoffs, while teams ranked three to five will play direct crossover matches for positions five to 10. The Malawi Queens are focused on securing a high ranking to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Coach Fuller highlighted that her team is looking forward to playing against Uganda, as they did not have the opportunity to face them at the recent Commonwealth Games. The Malawi Queens are determined to make a statement in the competition and prove their capabilities against a higher-ranked opponent.
The match against Uganda will be a crucial test for the Malawi Queens, but they are confident in their abilities. With their improved pace and endurance, combined with the return of key player Mwawi Kumwenda-M'bwana, the team is poised to deliver a strong performance.
Key points
- The Malawi Queens are determined to win their last Pool 2 match against Uganda in the Africa Netball Cup.
- The team's expatriate coach, Debbie Fuller, believes her side has what it takes to beat Uganda.
- The return of Australia-based shooter Mwawi Kumwenda-M'bwana has boosted the team's morale and is expected to make a significant impact on their performance.
