Netball Association of Malawi’s (Nam) talent identification exercise has received an overwhelming response after several teams picked players from the Nico Group powered drive.
According to a report which we have seen, local netball powerhouses Kukoma Diamonds, Tigresses and Giants Netball Club have signed a player each whereas rising side Young Eagles roped in four players.
However, sources indicate that some of the teams signed more players from the initiative but they were yet to formally notify Nam.
Nam General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa-Kauma dubbed the exercise fruitful as over 869 players attended the trials while 315 players were shortlisted for further development.
“It was an important exercise in our quest to rebuild the national team and the game. After conducting the talent identification exercise, the selectors nominated 315 players to be developed further. Then out of 315, we called 90 to a developmental camp and 86 reported for the exercise,” Khungwa- Kauma said.
The Nam GS said out of the 86 who reported for national camping, 60 youngsters met the grade and were placed under the association’s development plan.
“From this group we have 17 under-18 players and in the age bracket of 19 to 21 we have 27 players. Finally we have 16 players falling in the age bracket of 22 and 25,” she said.
Nam selectors would be monitoring the players who have been signed by clubs whereas those that have not been recruited would be involved in excellence camps.
The national netball governing body intends to call another set of players who were not included in the first camp to attend a similar exercise later.
Khungwa-Kauma hailed Nico Group for bankrolling the initiative as they seek to help the Queens reclaim glory.
Meanwhile, other teams who signed players include Karonga Queens (4), Chitipa Queens (3), Badala from Mchinji (1), Firebirds (3) and Vanessa (4).
Netball analyst Dalitso Chinyama said Nam should work jointly with the clubs to properly nurture the players.
“Development of players needs joint efforts. It is my hope that Nam will be working with clubs to keep track of players,” Chinyama said.
Recently, Nico Holdings Limited Corporate Affairs Manager Mbumba Mlia-Ndasauka expressed gratitude over the development.
“We want to thank Nam for kick-starting tiri ndi plan [we have a plan] agenda. We hope to have a very strong team in the next few years. Our opponents have been having height advantage over us for a long time and this exercise will help our team to be strong again,” Mlia-Ndasauka said.
