KEY POINTS:
Malawi's netballers are having trouble getting to the world championships in New Zealand for a second time after they were delayed in South Africa due to apparent visa irregularities.
The African side, who open the tournament against defending champions New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday night, were expected to arrive last night but their arrival has been delayed for more than 24 hours after they were held up in Johannesburg.
A tournament spokesman said it appeared the team had not organised transit visas for a stopover in Sydney.
They are due to touch down about midnight.
The African minnows also experienced difficulty travelling to Christchurch in 1999, the last time the world championships were held in New Zealand.
They were delayed by four days by a hurricane and disembarked without playing uniforms.
Fortunately a local clothing supplier kitted the side out.
New Zealander's generosity has again been apparent after it was revealed yesterday Malawi's accommodation arrangements in Auckland ended a day before they were due to fly out on November 18 - the day after the final.
However, organisers had received about 50 calls from individuals and businesses offering to accommodate the 19 players and seven management for the missing night.
- NZPA