Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Hail the Queens of African netball: Malawi

Malawi were African Queens before President Bingu wa Mutharika took over the African Union Chairmanship earlier this year; they are African Queens now, making it Malawi's twin victory as the males' soccer side still walks towards the remarkable sport mark that has eluded them since independence.
In New Delhi, where Commmonwealth Games are currently in full throng, the netball Queens did it again, pummeling proud South Africa by 59 baskets to 47. It was so sweet the Queens, led by veteran Mary 'Atcheya' Waya and Mwawi Kumwenda, danced their bodies out.
It must have been so frustrating to South Africa, who took over fifth position in the world albeit temporarily, to surrender it to their arch-rivals Malawi.
The two sides were rocked in disagreements lately, after Malawi turned down an invitation at the 11th hour. South Africa, in turn, connived with the continent's netball association to exclude Malawi from a netball tournament held in South Africa, saying it was was teams that set their eyes at qualifying for the India games.
It was a blue tactic, and justice has decided on the pitch.
This means Malawi are fifth in the world, having failed to break into the top four, but remain Number One in Africa- to the chagrin of South Africa.

No comments: