Experts: Team Composition Hampered Malawi Netball Team
Analysts advised a roster revamp, prioritising fitness and speed. But Kanyenda said players gained valuable exposure that will benefit Malawi netball in the long run.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— Sports analysts say Malawi's disappointing showing at the recent Fast 5 netball tournament highlights issues with the national team's composition and physique, writes Romeo Umali.
The Malawi Queens lost all their games against New Zealand, Jamaica, England, Australia, and South Africa earlier this month. The defeats sparked criticism back home.
Ivy Kondowe, a sports scientist at Malawi University of Science and Technology, said the technical panel made a mistake by including older players lacking the speed and endurance of other teams.
"Other countries featured young, energetic women with speed and endurance. Our players are relatively older, indicating they participated rather than contested," Kondowe said.
But interim coach Sam Kanyenda defended the roster, noting several players lacked experience in the fast-paced Fast 5 format.
The team included veterans like Martha Dambo, Towera Vinkhumbo, and Mary Nyirenda.
"This was the first Fast 5 series for many of the included players," Kanyenda said. He remained optimistic about the experience gained.
The Netball Association of Malawi oversees the selection of the national team. Critics said its choice of older players overlooking youth was questionable.
At the November 11–12 tournament, Malawi suffered lopsided losses to New Zealand, Jamaica, England, and Australia. The closest match was a 37-31 defeat by South Africa.
Malawi's best finish this year was 4th at the Commonwealth Games. The Queens won silver at the 2019 Netball World Cup.
Analysts advised a roster revamp, prioritising fitness and speed. But Kanyenda said players gained valuable exposure that will benefit Malawi netball in the long run.