Joyce Mvula inspires Manchester Thunder to second win
Malawi National Netball Team goal-shooter Joyce Mvula continues to hog the limelight at her England Vitality Netball Superleague side, where she is top-scorer at Manchester Thunder with 45 goals in two games.
Mvula started the season with 25 goals in a 53- 36 win over Strathclyde Sirens on February 12 and followed up the brilliant performance by netting 21 times against London Pulse in a 57-30 victory on Sunday.
The performance has seen Mvula making the top three in the league’s shot success category with 45 goals from 47 shots in the two games she has played so far.
At a shot success rate of 95.74 percent, the former Blue Eagles star is engaged in a tight race with Leeds Rhino’s Donnel Wallam, who leads at 96.97 percent having netted 64 goals from 66 shots in three games.
Severn Stars’ Georgia Rowe is second on the chart with 46 goals from 48 shots.
Mvula has a chance to increase the tally on Sunday when her team takes on Severn Stars.
Meanwhile, multi-talented star Towera Vinkhumbo, who plays for both the Queens and the Malawi National Women’s Football Team, is on the list of top five players who have conceded the most penalties.
The former Kukoma Diamonds defence stalwart is fifth on the list with 29 penalties, at par with Severn Stars’ Lucy Herman. Alima Priest of Surrey storm leads with 46 penalties.
Malawi Coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa said both players have had a great start to the new season.
“Towera has been marking defenders who are taller than she is, but continues to do well. She is fit and alert. Joyce has also been outstanding with her goals. So far, I have not seen any defender who has given her problems.
“Of course, she found the going tough in the first game when she came up against Towera. But she cleverly managed to change her movements and got the better of her compatriot. She is also receiving good balls from her teammates. This will help her score more goals,” Chawinga-Kalua said.
She said Malawi-based Queens players were training at home to maintain their fitness levels.
