The Maravi Post

LILONGWE--Malawi’s own and only professional netballer Mwawi Kumwenda on Thursday became the highest goal scorer of the ongoing Netball Diamond Challenge tournament being held in South Africa when she led the
Queens to another convincing win over lowly Botswana with 48 baskets to her credit in the 63-29 rout at Heartfelt Arena.

Mwawi has so far scored an unassailable 104 baskets, by far the highest in the tournament. She emerged player of the match against Botswana and was awarded a cheque worth R1000 for her feat by the organisers of the tournament.

On Wednesday, the Queens, who are the continental rulers in the netball sport, cut the Zambians to size and taught them a netball lesson when they beat them 75-32 in the opening match of the Diamond Challenge.

Led by by agile giantess Mwawi, who plies her trade in Australia and ably supported by goal attacker Sindi Simtowe, the Queens were too hot for the Batswana despite that they matched the Malawians in ball possession.

The Queens squad, also comprising Joyce Mvula, Bridget Kumwenda, Beatrice Kadango, Tina Kamuyambeni, Thandi Galeta, Caroline Ngwira, Towera Vinkhumbo, Grace Mhango, Joana Kachilika and Loraine Ngwira,
were a marvel to watch in action back home thanks to SuperSport who are beaming the matches live on TV.

Also playing on Thursday evening after the Malawi-Botswana match, hosts South Africa, who are serious contenders of the championship, beat Zambia by 47 baskets to 34 although the Zambians won ball possession by 58 percent,

South Africa opened their campaign with a 55-26 victory over Botswana at the inaugural match in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The objective of the tournament is to celebrate the role of women in sports and in particular elevate the profile of netball in South Africa as that country celebrates women’s month.

The Queens are using the tournament to prepare for the World Netball Series in New Zealand in November this year which will draw the world’s top six netball nations.

This Friday, favourites Queens will line up against the hosts South Africa’s Proteas, while Zambia square off against Botswana in what should be grudge matches.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.