Africa-Press – Malawi. Manchester Thunder shooter Joyce Mvula produced a sparkling performance as Malawi National Netball Team defeated Zimbabwe 56- 38 Monday to start their campaign for Pent Series at Patrick Iyambo Police College in Windhoek, Namibia.
In a match monitored on Namibia Netball Association Facebook page, Queens coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa fielded a strong side but made several changes in the last quarter, which affected the scoreline as Zimbabwe narrowed the margin.
The coach also handed Kukoma Diamonds centre Shira Dimba her debut while First Choice Tigresses wing attacker Flora Chipeta was also handed her first cap in the third quarter.
In defence, the coach relied on Towera Vinkhumbo- Nyirenda, Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira and Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango.
At centre court, Chawinga- Kaluwa picked Shira Dimba and Bridget Kumwenda, who were supplying balls to Mvula and Jane Chimaliro.
The Queens led the first quarter by 16-8 which forced the coach to replace Chimaliro with Sindie- Simtowe-Msowoya.
At half time, the Queens were leading 31-16 before extending the lead to 49-24 at the end of the third quarter.
In the third quarter, Chipeta replaced Kumwenda whereas Martha Dambo went in for Mtukule-Ngwira.
In the last quarter, the coach made multiple changes which included resting Mvula for Tendai Masamba.
Chawinga-Kaluwa applauded her charges for a job well done.
“This is our first game and my overall impression is that they tried their best. They played well and the good thing is that we have carried the day. There were some ups and down which we expected but we will rectify them. All in all, the girls played well,” she said.
The Queens mentor said she made changes to give exposure to the squad in readiness for the forthcoming Africa Netball Cup.
“We use these games to try different combinations. We have tried six or seven combinations; some worked, others did not,” she said while applauding to Dimba and Chipeta.
Chawinga-Kaluwa said she was focused on Uganda, which is piling pressure on the Queens on World Netball Rankings.
“The Uganda one is a different game from that of Zimbabwe. Uganda is a very big team. The approach and play needs to be different. As such, we will which combinations will work for us,” she said.
Mtukulu-Ngwira was also pleased with the result but said the side would continue to follow instructions from the coach.
“It is good that we have won but we need to do what the coach wants us to do,” she said.
In other games, hosts Namibia won 25-0 against Kenya, who were still in transit, whereas Uganda outrun Zambia 76-22.
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