Big setback for Mwawi

Australia-based Malawian netball icon Mwawi Kumwenda is set to undergo surgery within the week after suffering a serious knee injury.

A press release issued by her club Melbourne Vixens yesterday, states that the 28-year-old Malawian suffered a hyperextension of her left knee when she landed awkwardly during the third quarter of the Round 13 game of the Suncorp Super Netball League match against West Coast Fever on Saturday night.

“Scans revealed [that] she has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament,” reads part of the statement.

The statement also quotes the team’s head coach Simone McKinnis as having said: “We are really disappointed for Mwawi, who is obviously an integral part of our team, but also such a loved member of the Vixens family.

“The support she has received so far from the players and Vixens support staff is a reflection of the person she is and we will continue that support to ensure a successful rehabilitation programme for as long as it takes.”

Mwawi yesterday said she will only know how long she will be out of action after the surgery.

“But I am positive about it and I am praying for healing mercies. Hopefully, I will be back in the court soon,” said the 2014 Netball World Cup Player of the Tournament

Vixens lost the match 68-55 and, conversely, the loss means they may now face a do-or-die showdown with the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the final round of the season without Mwawi.

Vixens are fifth in the eight-team league and only the top four qualify for the eventual finals.

Initially, the Malawian international landed awkwardly and crashed to the floor in pain, but was able to press on.

But she hit the floor again shortly after, this time in severe pain, and her night was over.