LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Under-21 National Netball Team has wrapped up their three-match International Test Series in Lusaka with a clean sweep, defeating hosts Zambia 36-29 in the final clash.
But for the technical bench, the victory meant much more than just an unbeaten record.
Malawi’s start to the match was far from convincing, trailing 6-8 in the first quarter.
However, a spirited fightback saw them edge ahead 16-15 at half-time, before stretching the gap to 25-21 in the third stanza and eventually sealing a decisive seven-basket win.
Head coach Noel Mussah for Malawi said the three matches have been a perfect test ground to identify and work on weak areas he had observed before the series.
“These games have been an eye-opener. We have made great progress, and the players have shown readiness both in attitude and performance,” he said.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary, Yamikani Kauma, echoed Mussah’s sentiments, noting that the series had helped the technical panel pinpoint both the team’s strengths and areas needing improvement.
“We can confidently say this team is shaping up well and is ready for future competitions,” Kauma remarked.
For Zambia, head coach Moses Malama admitted that fitness was their major setback but remained optimistic about his side’s potential.
“The series has given us a clear picture of where we stand. Once we fix our fitness levels, we will be much stronger,” he said.
With three wins out of three, the Junior Queens not only claimed bragging rights but also left Lusaka with valuable insights and renewed confidence ahead of upcoming regional and continental tournaments.