UK-bound Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira tips Kukoma Diamonds on replacements

By Isaac Salima:

United Kingdom-bound Kukoma Diamonds captain Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira has backed the club to flourish in her absence, saying the side has ready replacements.

Mtukule said she advised the team’s officials and coaches to give a chance to other players.

“They don’t need to look for my replacements in other teams. The team has good players that can perform and help the club win medals.

“There is no need to look elsewhere as we have quality players that can fill the gap. The team should not waste resources on new players because at the reserve side we have youthful players who are longing for a chance to play for the senior side,” she said.

Currently, the side has defenders such as Wezzie Mzemba-Msiska, Anabello Phiri, Shabella Bengo, Lucia Chifambi and Linda Mvula.

Bengo was promoted from Diamonds Reserve and helped the senior side reclaim the Rainbow Paints Blantyre and Districts Netball League championship from rivals First Choice Tigresses last season.

Diamonds Chairperson Lumbani Mtonyo concurred with Mtukule, saying they will not rush to buy replacements.

“There is no need to look elsewhere when the reserve side is providing players. We have a strong developmental system. Imagine Shabella [Bengo] has started receiving call ups already, yet two seasons ago she was playing for the reserve team,” she said.

The development comes after Mtukule-Ngwira became the first Malawian to play for Team Bath in the Vitality Netball Superleague after signing a season-long deal.

Mtukule has followed the footsteps of former Diamonds teammates Towera Vinkhumbo and Mwawi Kumwenda- Mbwana, who clinched deals.

Vinkhumbo left Diamonds in 2020 when she joined Severn Stars in the UK before moving to Strathclyde Sirens while Mwawi moved from the team when it was known as Escom Sisters in 2011.

She joined Peninsula Waves in Australia before moving to Victorian Fury in 2013. She then played for Mainland Tactix in New Zealand from 2014 to 2016. She briefly made appearances for Diamonds in 2015 before joining Melbourne Vixens to date.

Another foreign-land based player for the Queens is Joyce Mvula, who moved to Central Pulse in New Zealand from UK’s Manchester Thunder.

First Choice Tigresses all-rounder Lauren Ngwira had stints with Team Northumbria and Manchester Thunder in the UK.