Lwazi defies height setback

 In a world of sport where height is everything, Takondwa Lwazi has defied the accepted norm to shine like a beacon.

Standing at just 1.6 metres, Lwazi won several player of  the match awards at 2023 Netball World Cup to capture the attention of millions.

When the 31-year-old announced her retirement from the sport, Malawians were shocked and rightly so.

Lwazi was the epitome of the Queens attack and defence with her accurate passing, timely interceptions, intelligent movements and sheer aggressiveness and energy.

“I think I have done my part and contributed as much as I could. It is time for new blood to take over. I have enjoyed my time with the Queens.

“We did everything for the nation and now it’s time to leave and let others take over,” she said this in a televised interview.

“She’s still got a lot in her tank to contribute to the national cause. She has just shown that at this Netball World Cup,” said Faith Kalizang’oma a netball fan.

Lwazi career blossomed while at Blue Eagles Sisters netball club as wing attacker She went on to play at the 2015 Fast5 Netball World Series where Malawi finished fifth.

It was there that she established herself as an important player for the national cause.

A year earlier, she had made her Commonwealth Games in 2014 where Malawi finished fifth. Since that time, she has not only been the Queens regular, but also a key component in the team. In 2016, she shone again at the 2016 Fast5 helping the Queens to win bronze in Melbourne, Australia.

Lwazi also played at the 2015 and 2019 Netball World Cups where the Queens finished fifth in both occasions. The dent on her national team duty was at 2014 and 2017 Fast5 Netball World Series where Malawi lost all matches to finish last. However, one of her greatest moments was when she was signed by Manchester Thunder at the British Fast5 All-Stars Championships in October 2019.

Speaking on how she defied her average height to win aerial balls against taller players, she attributed that to hard work and focus.

“I want to assure those girls who want to take up netball that it’s not only about being tall. My entire career I have played against much taller players.

“You just need to work hard in training, follow coaches instructions and be focused. Work on your fitness levels and you will excel,” she said.

Queens interim coach Samuel Kanyenda has described Lwazi as a disciplined player.

“Her retirement is a bitter pill to swallow but 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.

“She has been a key player, contributing significantly to the Queens success.

“I have to thank her for being a loyal ser vant to Malawi netball,” he said, adding that the country has a pool of talented players that can fill the void.

Kanyenda has been key mentor of Lwazi together with Madano Thepheteya who groomed her at Blue Eagles Sisters.

Renowned sports pundit George Chiusiwa has described Lwazi as the hub of the Queens.

“Takondwa Lwazi has been the fulcrum of the Malawi Queens for years.

“As a centre player, she was the engine and the linchpin for the team; her consistency in performances at international competitions say it all.

“She has been a bright star for the Queens although her prowess has, sometimes, been dwarfed by the ever impressive goal scoring machines in shooters Mwawi Kumwenda and Joyce Mvula.

“She has done much to the team and that she is retiring may not be surprising at all,” he said.