Malawi Queens’ foreign-based players have been ruled out of next week’s PacificAus Netball Series in Australia as part of the team’s preparations for the 2023 World Netball Cup.

Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) vice-president Chimwemwe Bakali said in an interview yesterday that UK-based goal defenders Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira, Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda and goal shooters Mwawi Kumwenda-M’bwana based in Australia and Joyce Mvula-Nyirenda, who plays in New Zealand respectively, have been ruled out due to club commitments.

He said: “We requested their respective clubs to release them, unfortunately, they said they could not  as the tournament clashes with their league assignments. By chance, Mwawi could join us, but even for her, it is very doubtful.”

Won’t make it: Mtukule-Ngwira (R) and Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda

However, Bakali said the absence of the quartet will be a blessing in disguise as it will give some new players a chance for exposure.

He said: “We needed a full-strength squad for the tournament as it would have given the coaches a chance to try different combinations and also considering that the tournament will be used for ranking purposes.

“So, the results will not be a true reflection of the team’s potential.

“On the other hand, it will provide the coaches an opportunity to try new players ahead of the World Cup.”

Queens coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa yesterday said she could not comment on both the unavailability of the foreign-based players and the team’s preparations “as there are some internal issues that need to be sorted out first”.

However, in an earlier interview, the coach said she would need her full-strength squad as this is the only tournament that would provide her a chance to try different combinations and formations.

Meanwhile, Malawi National Council of Sports has cleared the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the Queens’ trip, saying the team will depart today.

Half of the 14-membner squad travelling to Australia today are new faces. They are shooters Salome Nkhoma and Stella Materezi, mid-court: Lelli Banda and Florence Gamuka and defenders Chifuniro Moses, Shabel Bengo and Beauty Basiao.

Sports Council spokesperson Edgar Ntulumbwa said:  “Save for a few areas, logistics for the trip have been finalised, including the purchase of air tickets and accommodation and the team will leave tomorrow [today].”

He said they have spent K100 million towards the trip.

Earlier on,  Bakali said they were still not certain about the departure date as air tickets had not been purchased.

He said the team needed K190 million for the trip. The eight-team series will run from April 24 to 29.

The following is the list of the players travelling to Australia: Shooters: Jane Chimaliro, Sindi Simtowe-Msowoya,  Nkhoma and Materezi; mid-court:  Banda, Sheila Dimba, Takondwa Lwazi and  Gamuka; defenders: Laureen Ngwira, Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango,  Moses, Martha Dambo,  Bengo and Basiao

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