Malawi National Netball Team’s 12-member squad for Fast5 Netball World Series has received mixed views following the absence of shooter Mwawi Kumwenda and the inclusion of goalkeeper Lauren Ngwira.
The world’s top six netballing nations will converge at Christchurch in New Zealand to compete in this year’s series, slated for November 11 to through and 12.
Mwawi has opted to stay out of the squad to give a chance to new blood while Ngwira’s inclusion has been welcomed with a jaundiced eye, the athlete having been idle on the domestic scene.
Local analysts have welcomed Mwawi’s stand but questioned Ngwira’s inclusion.
Well-known Lusekelo Kayuni said Mwawi’s stand was understandable.
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“Fast5 is a non- ranking tournament. Therefore, the composition of a team should be 90 if not 100 percent new blood. Mwawi has given a chance to upcoming players, which is commendable. We must also realise that all these players will not be there forever.
“The only mistake is the inclusion of Lauren, who has been idle for some time. It is frustrating to up-and-coming players who work hard hoping to earn a call-up to break into the team,” Kayuni said.
Former player Neffie Kam’mata also wondered about the criterion which was used to select Ngwira.
“I do not know if Lauren is active now because she has not been playing for her team. However, we will be on the lookout to see how the coach will blend in new faces with the remaining regulars,” Kam’mata said.
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Nam General Secretary Isaac Chimwala said they understood Mwawi’s decision as the tournament is considered developmental.
“We have welcomed her decision because it will give an opportunity to others to gain exposure,” Chimwala said.
However, Chimwala referred us to the association’s technical director Samuel Kanyenda when asked about Ngwira, who has not been playing for her local outfit, First Choice Tigresses.
Kanyenda said Ngwira has been included in the squad because she was following an individual training programme at home.
“We feel it is necessary to include her in the squad because she possesses other attributes which can help the team,” Kanyenda said.
Initially, Nam released a 10-member squad yesterday morning before two more players were added in the afternoon.
Experienced shooter Jessica Mazengera Sanudi of Kukoma Diamonds and Young Eagles’ Vanessa Chalira, who was voted player of the tournament for the just-ended Salima Sugar Netball Trophy, were later called for camping.
Youngsters Cynthia Khunga of Civonets and Mafco’s Amina Msusa alongside seasoned Mary Nyirenda of Civonets have been included in the squad.
Gangling shooter Joyce Mvula, who is returning to the United Kingdom from New Zealand having joined Leeds Rhinos from Central Pulse, will likely lead the team’s attack. Strathclyde Sirens defender Towera Vinkhumbo is also part of the squad.
Other senior players in the team include Martha Dambo (First Choice Tigresses), Shira Dimba (Prison) and Thandie Galeta (Kamuzu Barracks).
Queens will be without captain Jane Chimaliro of Civonets and Blue Eagles Sisters’ Takondwa Lwazi, who retired from the national team.
The following is a list of players who were expected to join camp at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe yesterday to prepare for the games:
Joyce Mvula – Leeds Rhinos (UK)
Cynthia Khunga – Civonets
Amina Msusa – Mafco
Mary Nyirenda – Civonets
Thandie Galeta – Kamuzu Barracks
Shira Dimba – Prison Queens
Lauren Ngwira – First Choice Tigresses
Towera Vinkhumbo – Sirens (UK)
Martha Dambo – First Choice Tigresses
Shabel Bengo – Kukoma Diamonds
