Malawi National Netball Team goalkeeper Towera Vinkhumbo is assured of a continued stay in the United Kingdom as UK Netball Superleague side Strathclyde Sirens has signed her for the 2024 season.
Vinkhumbo, who has spent three seasons at Sirens, having joined from Severn Stars, is among four players that have been re-signed.
The club announced the development on its website on Wednesday.
The three others who are assured of continued romance with Sirens are Emily Nicholl, Beth Goodwin and Cerys Cairns.
“The first wave of player announcements includes four returning stars who have etched their names into Sirens’ history. These remarkable athletes, deeply intertwined with the Sirens’ DNA, have stood as pillars of strength and inspiration over the last couple of seasons,” the website reported.
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The development is not surprising as Vinkhumbo’s performance last season was extraordinary as she reigned as the number one defender in the league, clinching the title for the most intercepts and turnovers.
Head Coach Lesley MacDonald hailed Vinkhumbo’s continued presence in the Sirens’ ranks, labeling her as an invaluable asset.
“As the defensive unit experiences a facelift, Towera’s leadership assumes paramount importance, ensuring the preservation of the team’s indomitable ruthlessness in defence. She’s not just a player; she’s an embodiment of the Sirens’ fighting spirit,” MacDonald told the club’s website.
The former Kukoma Diamonds player said she is thrilled to be part of the squad.
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“I am so excited to be part of Sirens again and meeting everyone on court is the best part for me. I remain optimistic that the upcoming season is going to be fun. But we have so much more to achieve as a team, so we have to work hard,” she said.
Both Netball Association of Malawi General Secretary Isaac Chimwala and Technical Director Samuel Kanyenda applauded Vinkhumbo for securing the new deal.
Chimwala said Vinkhumbo has been one of the Queens’ standout performers in recent years.
“Her contract is performance-based. It shows that she is performing well for the club and at the same time marketing Malawian players,” he said.
On his part, Kanyenda said it is a good development for the Queens.
“We need more players in top leagues across the world so as to bridge the gap with big teams,” he said.
