Lwazi says playing for Queens not rewarding

Enterprising centre Takondwa Lwazi says she opted to retire early from Malawi Queens because of little rewards.

Lwazi, 31, resigned after the Netball World Cup in South Africa where the Queens finished on position seven.

However, she is still playing for her club Blue Eagles.

Lwazi said the effort she put  to the national team did not translate to what she was taking home.

She disclosed that she was getting K5 000 training allowance per day, a package she said cannot sustain her living.

She, however, she will not rescind her decision even if the package is revised upwards.

“It will be good legacy that I took a bold step to open up and stand up to have the welfare of the national team players improved,” said Lwazi.

Reacting to her sentiments, Netball Association of Malawi general secretary Isaac Chimwala said the player is unpatriotic.

He said players should be thankful for the platform they get for playing for the national team.

“I am surprised that she can come in the open and say that. Our players should understand that playing for the national team is not for money but pride.

“Players with serious intention to grow use the national team platform to secure deals with international clubs that pay well.

“I find the sentiments behind her quitting from national team very unpatriotic,” he said.

Malawi National Council of Sports spokesperson Edgar Ntulubwa said NAM has not made a formal recommendation to have the allowances for Queens players revised.

“We work with associations not players,” Chimwala said.

The Queens interim coach Samuel Kanyenda has since indicated that she still need the services of Lwazi.

He said he will include Lwazi in the national team that will start preparations for the Fast Five Series taking place in November in Australia.

At the Netball World Cup, Lwazi was named best centre court player with the most feeds.