Newly appointed Malawi Under-23 National Netball Team Coach Joana Kachilika has reportedly dropped the demand letter she gave the Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) after she was redeployed to the Under-21 junior side.
At the heat of the incident, Kachilika refused to take over a similar role at the Malawi Under-21 National Netball Team, which had, at the time, qualified for last year’s Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
Sources say the issue was resolved last year, when she met with members of the association to resolve their differences.
However, Kachilika was not readily available for a comment.
On her part, Nam General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa- Kauma confirmed both Kachilika’s appointment and withdrawal of the demand letter.
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“In the meantime, Nam is delighted to confirm the appointment of Joana Kachilika as head coach of the under-23 developmental squad.
“This appointment represents a strategic shift from the previously planned under-21 role, in line with upcoming changes at World Netball level which will see the under-21 structure gradually being phased out,” she said.
Regarding the demand letter, which did not proceed to a court suit, Khungwa-Kauma said they responded promptly and appropriately at the time.
“No further legal documents were filed and we understand that, on the advice of her lawyer, she chose to close the matter.
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“Every individual has a right to seek legal redress and we, as Nam, cannot be against our members where they choose to pursue legal redress rights, whether they have a cause or not. Our focus is on rebuilding and uniting all members based on merit,” she said.
The Nam GS described Kachilika as a talented and promising coach with a bright future in Malawian netball.
“We have always believed in her potential and are committed to supporting her growth. This appointment with the under-23 developmental squad forms part of our broader succession plan for technical staff, alongside other dedicated coaches.
“We have full confidence in her ability and look forward to her contributions in developing the next generation of Malawian netball talent,” Khungwa-Kauma said.
Meanwhile, the Queens Cubs are expected to go into camp today in Blantyre in readiness for the Telkom Netball League.
The league is scheduled to take place in Durban, South Africa, from April 24 to May 2.
