The Malawi Netball Team, Queens revenged their two consecutive lossses last month by beating continental rivals, South Africa’s Spar Proteas 58-51 in their opening game of the World Netball Cup at the Allphones Arena in Sydney, Australia.
The win was harder-fought for world No.6 Malawi Queens, who beat a rallying South Africa 58-51.
The Proteas showed improvements following warm-up defeats to the Silver Ferns, despite only a few short weeks under the guidance of former Diamonds coach Norma Plummer.
Inspired by New Zealand-based shooter Mwawi Kumwenda who has just returned to national duty after a year in hibernation, the Queens put up a vintage show.
They led by 14-12 baskets in the first quarter, 27-22 in the Second quarter, 41-37 in the third quarter and smiled with a 58-51 victory at the end of the fourth quarter.
The match Earlier today was not just about the ongoing tournament, but also about showing each other who holds bragging rights in Africa.
Having lost to the Proteas five times on the trot and recently losing their top spot in Africa, the win also shows the Queens are ready to to reclaim their position.
The next engagement for the Queens will be against Sri Lanka on Saturday at 11.15am and will face Singapore in the last preliminary round match on Sunday at 10.15am.
At least 16 national teams will be battling it out in the international contest. Africa will be represented by Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. Previously, only Malawi and South Africa represented the continent at the event.
Earlier, Wales defeated Pool D opponents Fiji 59-52 in the first match of the tournament at the alternative venue of Netball Central, while Singapore saw off Sri Lanka 56-43 in Pool C.
Australia play their first Pool A match against Trinidad and Tobago on Friday night, after New Zealand take on Barbados.
