Mtukule gets hearty welcome in England
Malawi Queens captain Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira got a hearty welcome from her new club Team Bath coach and team-mates as she looks forward to starting a new lease of life in the United Kingdom.
The former Kukoma Diamonds skipper was unveiled by Team Bath last month, but had to wait for her visa before she could travel.
In an interview yesterday, the goal defender said she was excited to team up with her new team-mates.
“When I arrived here yesterday [Saturday] morning, I found the team coach Asha Francis waiting for me at my new home.
“She was very excited and after some light-hearted exchanges, she outlined to me her expectations from me.
“The coach said she expects me to add value to the team owing to my vast experience and I assured her that she could count on me.”
The 39-year-old said she watched her team taking on Severn Stars on Saturday evening.
Said Mtukule-Ngwira: “Having just arrived earlier in the morning, I was not included in the team.
“We lost by a 17-basket margin [67-50], but we have a good team with bright prospects.”
She said her debut will be this Saturday against leaders Surrey Storm.
“I am eager to impress so that I can open the doors for fellow Malawian players. I will work extra hard to leave a mark here and I can’t wait to get started,” said Mtukule-Ngwira.
Team Bath are second from the bottom in the 10-team league with three points from four matches.
They registered their first victory against Strathclyde Sirens, the team Mtukule-Ngwira’s compatriot Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda plays for.
Soon after being signed on a season-long deal, the Malawi Queens star was quoted by teambath.com as having said: “It’s a great pleasure to be joining Team Bath and I am so honoured to have this opportunity.
“It’s a big challenge, but one I’m excited for and I will do my very best to help bring positive results.
“I’ve never played for a club overseas before, but it’s something I’ve been looking forward to for many years. I’m ready to learn new skills and test myself in a big league. I know why I am coming and what I want to do.
“I know Team Bath are a big club with a good history. I have played against Kadeen Corbin a lot with England over the years and I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the players.”
On her part, Francis said: “We are delighted to have Carol on board. We needed to find a goal-defender who would not only perform on court, but also add value to the squad and help our younger players develop.
“Carol ticks all those boxes. She has so much international experience, but is incredibly humble and in all of our conversations her focus has been on what she can do for the team. We’re all looking forward to welcoming her to Team Bath.”
