By Peter Fote in Cape Town, South Africa & Richard Chirombo:
Malawi National Netball Team centre court star Takondwa Lwazi has announced her retirement from international netball after earning her 100th cap.
The Blue Eagles Sisters player made the announcement Sunday soon after helping the Queens finish on seventh position in the just ended 2023 Netball World Cup finals in Cape Town, South Africa.
Lwazi, 31, speaking soon after the match, said it was time to leave the stage and pave the way for new blood.
“I am happy and proud to have played my 100th game for the Queens. I think it is time for youthful players to take over,” Lwazi, who was named player of the match once during the competition, said.
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Queens interim coach Samuel Kanyenda said he was not surprised with Lwazi’s decision.
“We have to respect her decision. She made her request sometime back. I had to ask her to assist the team during the World Cup finals. I have to thank her for being a royal servant to Malawi netball,” he said before adding that the country has a pool of talented players that can fill the void.
In a related development, Australia-based shooter Mwawi Kumwenda doubted if she would be around during the 2027 Netball World Cup finals.
When a commentator asked Kumwenda, who won two player-of-the match awards, the former Kukoma Diamonds shooter was unsure, saying it is time to give a chance to new blood.
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The Queens finished on seventh position after beating Tonga Nation 64-54 Sunday.
