Bronze Queens get hearty welcome

The Malawi Queens yesterday received a hearty welcome on arrival at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe from Nairobi, Kenya where they finished third at the Africa Netball Championship and booked a ticket to the 2027 Netball World Cup.

Second Vice-President Ecoch Chihana, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata and officials from Nico Group, the team’s official sponsors, were among hundreds of people that welcomed the Malawi National Netball Team.

Chihana greets Queens players on arrival. | Courtesy of Nico Group

There was a carnival atmosphere as officials and fans cheered the moment the plane carrying the Queens touched down before proceeding with a parade that was led by the Police Band.

The climax of it all was a reception hosted by Nico Group at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), where Gangata was the guest of honour.

Nico Group head of marketing and customer experience Taweni Gondwe-Xaba expressed delight at the Queens achievement.

She said: “Today is about recognising what you have achieved. You have won bronze and, more importantly, you have secured a place at the [Netball] World Cup.

Gondwe-Xaba (L) helps Lwazi in cutting a cake as Gangata looks on. | Courtesy of Nico Group

“This is great a milestone. By qualifying for the World Cup, you have returned the investment as you know we are a business entity. We are satisfied that we are getting returns from the investment.”

In his speech, Gangata committed government’s support towards the team so that it can achieve more.

“By finishing third in Africa and qualifying for the World Cup, you have shown every young girl what courage can achieve. The nation is behind you and we will support you. We are all proud of you and expect more,” he said.

Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) treasurer Anastanzia Kaphale said qualifying for the World Cup is great achievement.

“As a country and as NAM, we are proud of you because of what you have achieved. Feel it in your heart that we are behind you. We are also thankful to the government and One Nico for the financial support. We don’t take it for granted,” she said.

Kaphale also appealed to the government to invest in the team’s preparations by, among others, organising international friendlies and opening the Griffin Saenda Indoor Sports Complex where the team can train in a good environment.

Queens captain Takondwa Lwazi thanked the government and Nico for their support.

She said: “During the tournament, we encountered some challenges. World Netball rules state that two top teams in each group will qualify for the World Cup, but the rules were changed.

“The organisers wanted some particular teams to qualify. But it took the intervention of NAM to ensure that things were done according to regulations.”

Lwazi has since appealed to government to buy the team a bus to ease transport challenges.

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