Malawi National Netball Team's fight to return to the top six is about more than just pride; it's about establishing their proper place on the international netballing scene. PATRICK LUNDA writes
Veteran netballer and tactician Peace Chawinga has said Malawi National Netball Team’s battle to reclaim its top-six status is not just about pride, but about securing their rightful place on the global stage without having to depend on last-minute clarifications.
Chawinga, who is the team’s Assistant Coach, has made the heartfelt appeal to Malawi Queens, ahead of upcoming international competitions.
“We need to train, play and re-organise ourselves with determination and resilience in maintaining our fading glory by being in the prestigious position of the world's top six netball team,” she said.
Her comments come after the team recently faced uncertainty on whether they have qualifies for 2027 World Cup or not.
Following a complaint on the question of qualification criteria, the Global Netball governing body, World Netball overruled Africa Netball’s decision that entailed Malawi playingf one more match at the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.
According to Queens’ argument Africa Netball Cup demand was contrary to the rules and regulations that made Malawi and Namibia automatically qualify after finishing second in their respective groups.
Acting on Netball Association of Malawi’s complaint, World Netball ruled that Malawi and Namibia qualified for the global showpiece in accordance with the rules and regulations.
Reads the statement in part: “Following the conclusion of World Netball Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier Africa, World Netball and Africa Netball can confirm that Malawi and Namibia have qualified to compete at World Netball Cup 2027.
World Netball further clarified the competition format, confirming that the top two teams from each pool would advance to the semi-finals and finals in accordance with the NC2027 Qualifier Africa Rules and Regulations.
“The clarification provides a definite outline of the knockout stage following discussions and uncertainty surrounding the tournament format.”
In a complaint letter, Malawi netball governing body argues: “NAM entered the competition on the basis of the qualification criteria published by World Netball, which stated that the top two teams at the conclusion of the Africa Regional Qualifier would receive World Cup invitations, with the next eligible teams to benefit where already qualified nations occupied qualifying positions. Our position is not about Malawi’s qualification status.
“Our position is simple. Published qualification rules should be applied consistently, afford countries the right to compete, protect athletes’ welfare, and preserve the integrity of the World Cup qualification process.”
Chawinga has a solution to the ordeal that the Malawi Queens went through. “ Malawi ought to fight for and retain Global Top 6 Rankings in netball.”