Malawi beat South Africa in Netball Diamond Challenge
Malawi national netball team, the Queens beat hosts and rivals South Africa 47-42 in the inaugural Netball Diamond Challenge match in Pretoria on Friday night.
The Queens led by Australia based goal shooter Mwawi Kumwenda was in superb form controlling the match against Spar Proteas in the last preliminary round match of the round robin competition.
In the first quarter Malawi lead 12 – 10 and again held the leading the second quarter 21-24.
South Africa tried to come into the game in the third quarter by Malawi resisted and won 38-30 and final quarter posted 47-42.
Coach for Malawi Queen, Griffin Saenda, praised his charges for the “a clinical performance.”
He told Nyasa Times: “We have made Malawi nation proud once again. It’s another history-writing.”
Sindi Simutowe was voted player of the match for her sterling performance.
The youthful Malawi squad also comprises Joyce Mvula, Bridget Kumwenda, Beatrice Kadango, Tina Kamuyambeni and Thandi Galeta.
Others are Caroline Ngwira, Towera Vinkhumbo, Grace Mhango, Joana Kachilika and Loraine Ngwira.
The two teams play again in the finals on Saturday and if Malawi win, they will grab the trophy and at least could afford their celebration with their popural comical boogie-woogie dance routine.
To win the Netball Diamond Challenge roubin round phase, Malawi beat Zambia and Botswana before thrashing South Africa in their unbeaten run.
Malawi are ranked fifth in the world rankings, one step higher than South Africa.
