Malawi was the surprise package of the recent New World Netball World
Championships in New Zealand: after missing the World Championships in
2003, the Malawi team dazzled opponents with their lightning-quick play
and audacious moves, and took fifth place overall, defeating long-time
rivals South Africa in a memorable play off. And with England placing
fourth at the same competition, the stage is set for some eyecatching
netball for home fans to enjoy:
"Malawi plays a very different style of netball," explains Nigel Holl,
England Netball's Director of Netball, "with a lot of short sharp passes,
cheeky moves and rapid footwork. They are afraid of no one, and will pose
some interesting questions for the England squad, at the start of a new
four year cycle of international competition, under new coach Sue Hawkins.
Picture shows England's Ama Agbeze contesting with Malawi's Mary Waya atlast November's Netball World Championships (please credit MichaelBradley).
"Spectators at these test matches should expect some very different play,
with plenty of excitement and thrills - and watch out for some unusual
moves, particularly in the circle areas!
"When the two sides met at the World Championships, England's team emerged
victorious. However, by the end of the competition, it was clear that
Malawi had made rapid and impressive progress, as shown by their win over
South Africa, and this will be no easy test series for the new England
squad."
Netball is the most popular sport for women in Malawi, and players like
captain Peace Chawimba and the inspirational 38 year old GA Mary Waya are
role models for women and girls across their country, delivering health
and education messages as well as playing netball. Malawi's netball team
has had a huge impact on the world stage, since attending its first
Commonwealth Games in 2006, where the side stopped champions New Zealand
in their tracks with a 67 pass sequence to deny the opposition possession.
Meanwhile, the Malawian side's win over rivals South Africa at last year's
World Championships prompted a traditional method of celebration - rolling
on the floor at the final whistle!
Tickets are now available for the three matches as follows:
14 April Sheffield Arena (tel: 0114 256 5656) and 16 April Skydome Arena
Coventry (tel: 024 7663 0693):
Priced £17 adults (England Netball members £14), children £9, family
ticket £48
Groups - buy eight tickets, receive one free
18 April: Wembley Arena (tel: 020 8782 5500)
Priced £19 adults (England Netball members £16), children £10, family
ticket £52
