Kukoma Diamonds cross fingers on Mwawi Kumwenda

Tom Sangala October 17, 2015

263 1 minute read

Former GOtv Netball Champions League winners, Kukoma Diamonds, say with or without towering shooter, Mwawi Kumwenda, they are determined to reclaim the title in Mzuzu.

The competition throws-off today at Katoto Secondary School with eight teams drawn into two groups.

Kumwenda’s participation in the competition hangs by a thread following reports that the loan deal from New Zealand’s Mainland Tactix cannot be completed because the mid-transfer window period closed in August.

Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda said they were keeping fingers crossed on the Malawi Queens’ player’s availability for Diamonds, adding that they have plan B.

“We have secured necessary paperwork to enable her play. She is our daughter and she remains a threat to opposition. The problem is that some quarters do want her to be involved,” he said.

Kumwenda told Times TV on Monday that she was excited that Tactix had released her to participate in local games.

“I am used to playing. I can’t stay without playing for over three months when I am expected to return to New Zealand,” she said.

Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) general secretary, Carol Bapu, refused to comment, but sources indicate that the association’s decision will depend on whether transfer procedures were followed.

“It appears that Nam wanted a clearance from New Zealand netball body and not the club alone. Tactix were supposed to ask their association to issue clearance to Nam but this did not happen,” the source said.

Nam constitution article 33.0 on registration and transfers of players says a netball season in Malawi shall commence in April and close in December.

“The off-season period shall also be the main player transfer window period. Mid-season player transfer period shall be from 1st August to 14th August of the same year. A player shall be registered with a team and/ or club at least fourteen (14) days before commencement of the netball season,” reads the article in part.

Meanwhile, MultiChoice Malawi, has lined up several activities before the launch to set up hype. Mimosa Queens will meet Mafco in the opening game before holders, Complex Tigresses, open up their title defence against Blue Eagles Sisters.