LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The recent semifinal defeat of Malawi’s Queens to Uganda’s She-Cranes at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe was more than just a loss; it was a painful blow to the very heart of Malawian netball pride.
To witness the Queens – once a formidable force feared even by the mighty South African Proteas – capitulate so thoroughly on home soil to a team many still regard as minnows is a bitter pill to swallow.
The venue itself, named after the late Griffin Saenda, a legendary figure who once elevated Malawian netball to unprecedented heights, should have been a fortress. Instead, it turned into a painful reminder of how far the Queens have slipped from their former glory.
For those who remember the halcyon days under Griffin Saenda’s tutelage, the current situation is nothing short of heartbreaking.
Saenda, a coach who sculpted the Queens with limited resources and without the luxury of motivation or modern facilities, managed to build a team that commanded respect and fear across the continent.
The She-Cranes, for all their current strength, would not have dared to challenge the Queens at that time, certainly not on Malawian soil.
The Proteas of South Africa, a powerhouse in African netball, were genuinely wary of the Queens’ tenacity and skill. But today, the narrative has shockingly reversed.
The Queens’ struggles began right from the first quarter of Saturday’s semifinal.
Their inability to maintain possession and convert scoring opportunities was glaringly evident. Uganda’s aggression and disciplined defense dismantled the Queens’ rhythm, leaving them chasing shadows. A 12-8 deficit in the opening quarter quickly ballooned to 24-15 by halftime.
The She-Cranes, seizing momentum with ruthless efficiency, further extended their lead to 37-23 by the third quarter and sealed the game at 46-32 after full time. Such a wide margin of defeat at home, especially in a tournament as prestigious as the African Netball Cup, is both embarrassing and deeply painful for Malawian fans.
This loss at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex is particularly shameful given the symbolic weight the venue carries.
Named after a man who dedicated his life to nurturing Malawian netball against all odds, the complex should inspire the Queens to rise to their best.
Instead, it has witnessed a humbling defeat that raises uncomfortable questions about the current state of netball in Malawi. One can only imagine how the spirit of Griffin Saenda would react to this outcome.
Known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to inspire players to perform beyond their limitations, Saenda would likely be devastated by the lack of discipline, resilience, and tactical nous displayed by the Queens.
The late coach’s legacy was built on overcoming hardship.
Saenda worked with meagre resources, often in environments void of adequate funding, training facilities, and even basic motivation for his players.
Yet, the results spoke volumes. Under his guidance, the Queens became a source of national pride, a beacon of hope that united Malawians.
For years, while the Flames – Malawi’s football team – struggled and disappointed despite massive public support, the Queens offered solace and joy.
They were the team that Malawians could rally behind, a symbol that dedication and talent could triumph despite systemic challenges.
Today, however, the Queens seem to be struggling to unlock the secret that Griffin Saenda held so dearly: the combination of discipline, strategic acumen, and an unyielding fighting spirit.
The current squad’s performance suggests a disconnect from those core values.
Losing to Uganda, a team that was once considered a step below Malawi in netball hierarchy, especially on Malawian turf, stings deeply.
It is a stark reminder that the Queens have become a punching bag, a team that is no longer feared but rather exploited by opponents who now see them as vulnerable.
This reversal of fortunes is particularly galling when one considers that Malawi once held a position of dominance in African netball. The Proteas, giants of the sport, were cautious about facing the Queens.
The transformation from a respected powerhouse to a team struggling against rising neighbors is a narrative that demands urgent introspection.
The challenge for Malawi netball administrators, coaches, and players is now to reflect on what has been lost and how to recapture the spirit of excellence that defined the Saenda era.
Looking ahead, the Queens face Zimbabwe in the battle for third place. While this match offers a chance for redemption, it also serves as a critical juncture.
Will the Queens rise to reclaim some dignity, or will they continue to fall deeper into mediocrity?
The answer depends on whether the team and those who lead it can reconnect with the resilience and passion that once made them the pride of Malawi.
The semifinal defeat to Uganda is not just a match lost; it is a reflection of a deeper malaise afflicting Malawian netball.
The loss at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex is a symbolic defeat that challenges the very identity of the Queens.
It calls for a revival rooted in the principles that Griffin Saenda championed: hard work, strategic discipline, and an unbreakable spirit.
Only by embracing these values can the Queens hope to shed the image of a punching bag and reclaim their rightful place atop African netball.
Until then, the pain of this loss will linger as a stark reminder of what once was and what could be again.
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