Queens pushed to limit as NAM turns to men’s team ahead of Commonwealth Games

Malawi’s road to the Commonwealth Games has taken a bold turn, with the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) subjecting the Malawi Queens to high-intensity matches against the men’s national side to sharpen their competitive edge.

According to a statement seen by Malawi24, NAM has moved away from traditional build-up fixtures, opting for a more demanding and tactically complex training approach. 

The Queens will face the Malawi Kings in four matches during a three-week camp from May 21 to June 9 in Blantyre. The aim is to replicate the speed and pressure of elite international competition, forcing players to adapt quickly and execute under intense conditions.

The decision marks a shift in philosophy, prioritizing exposure to speed, strength, and unpredictability. 

Coaches will use the matches to test combinations, expose weaknesses, and build resilience under tight recovery period conditions expected at the Games in Glasgow.

Experienced defender Fanada Saidi, alongside Shabel Bengo and Aisha Gama, will anchor the defence, while Mwayi Kumwenda leads the attack. In midcourt, Thandi Galeta, Melia Soko, and Veronica Anderson are responsible for controlling the tempo and ensuring smooth transitions.

The expanded squad reflects a deliberate balance of experience and emerging talent, creating competition ahead of the final squad announcement on July 5. The camp serves both as preparation and a selection platform.

Off the court, NAM is implementing a coaching overhaul through a mentorship programme led by international coach Debbie Fuller. The initiative aims to develop local coaches through structured training, practical exposure, and continuous assessment.

NAM General Secretary Yamikani Kauma stated that the dual approach, each strengthening both players and coaching systems,tems is key to long-term success. The strategy signals Malawi’s ambition to evolve from a competitive side into a consistent force in global netball.

As preparations intensify, the Queens are being pushed to new limits, where adaptability, depth, and structure could define their performance on one of netball’s biggest stages.