Queens’ squad out, Mwawi Kumwenda recalled
Star-shooter, Mwawi Kumwenda, has been recalled to the Malawi national netball team’s squad ahead of the Queens’ tour of England for three test series at the end of the month.
Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) released the 18-member squad on Saturday evening, but did not indicate the technical panel.
“The deadline for reporting for camp is Monday, November 13 2017. Should any player fail to report [for] camp during the stated period without any written document, [they] will be considered to be not part of the team. We hope this is in order,” the statement from Nam General Secretary, Carol Bapu, reads in part.
The Melbourne Vixens’ shooter’s Manager, Hlupikire Chalamba, could not be reached to confirm Kumwenda’s availability for the training.
But last week, Chalamba said: “This is not the first time that Mwawi has been kicked out of camp and her commitment to serve the national team has not been affected by her current exclusion.”
Sources told The Daily Times that Civonets Coach, Whyte Mulilima, has been called to deputise Mary Waya, who took charge of the Queens at the Fast5 Netball World Series, which ended in disaster after they lost all six games in Australia last week.
Conspicuously missing from the coaching panel is coach, Sam Kanyenda, who withdrew from the Queens’ squad in protest over Nam’s failure to recall Kumwenda after she was expelled ahead of the trip to Australia for reporting late for camp training.
Mulilima’s reported appointment comes after he guided Civonets to GOtv Netball Champions League glory by ending the dominance of giants, Kukoma Diamonds.
Meanwhile, Mulilima, despite being unaware of his appointment, has said he was ready for the challenge.
“But if it is true, I can’t turn down a chance to work for my nation. According to your claims, I am going there as an Assistant Coach [and] that means I will simply be following and assisting my leader. On my own, I can’t change things. It requires unity and team work. If we achieve this, then we will turn around our team,” said Mulilima, who is also Malawi’s highest qualified umpire [with Africa Grade B badge].
On return from Australia on Tuesday, Waya insisted that the team did not miss the services of Kumwenda.
Full squad:
Defenders: Joanna Kachilika (Captain), Caroline Ngwira, Laureen Ngwira, Martha Dambo, Wezzie Mzemba, Fanny Mwale, Juliet Sambo
Attackers: Takondwa Lwazi, Thandie Galeta, Shira Dimba, Pilirani Msukwa, Rose Mkanda
Shooters: Jane Chimaliro (Vice-Captain), Joyce Mvula, Jessie Sanudi, Alinafe Kamwala, Kumwenda, Grace Chazungulira.
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