ARE ENGLAND READY FOR MALAWI?

THE ENGLAND netball team are gearing up for a triple clash against World Championship rivals Malawi.

England are preparing to rise to the challenge of a three match test series against the Malawi Queens in April.

At the recent Netball World Championships in New Zealand Malawi was the Cinderella story of the competition startling their opponents with lightning-quick play and daring tactics to take fifth place overall.

They even silenced long-time rivals South Africa in a memorable play off prompting their traditional celebration – rolling on the floor at the final whistle.

“Malawi plays a very different style of netball with a lot of short sharp passes, cheeky moves and rapid footwork” Nigel Holl, England Netball’s Director told express.co.uk.

“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.”

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 67 passes in a row.


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Netball is the most popular sport for women in Malawi with players like captain Peace Chawimba and inspirational 38-year-old GA Mary Waya acting as role models for overlooked women and girls across their country, delivering health and education messages as well as playing netball.

With England finishing fourth at the same competition, the stage is set for some thrilling netball for home fans to enjoy.

And England certainly won’t be expecting an easy game. “When the two sides met at the World Championships, England’s team emerged victorious,” said Holl.

“But 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.”

The series begins in Sheffield on April 14, followed by Coventry April 16 and London Wembley on April 18. Tickets go on sale today.