Mwawi justifies return to Peninsular Waves
Malawi Queens shooter Mwawi Kumwenda-M’bwana has justified her return to Australian second-tier Victorian Netball League (VNL) club Peninsular Waves, saying the move will help her have ample time to take good care of her baby.
The netballer, who gave birth to a baby boy, Maximus, in July, signed for the development league side for the 2025 season after eight years of playing for top-flight Suncorp Super Netball League outfit Melbourne Vixens where she won the title and the Best Player of the Season Award.
Unlike the Suncorp league, which is a professional league featuring teams from across Australia, the VNL provides a pathway for talented athletes to develop and showcase their abilities in a competitive pre-elite performance environment.
Said Kumwenda-M’bwana: “The good thing about playing for Waves in 2025 is that I will be having ample time to take care of the baby as I will be training for a few days unlike at Vixens, where the demand for intensive training and commitment is high.
“This league suits me well because I will be able to strike a good balance between playing netball and caring for my baby. In Australia, it is not easy to get a nanny for my baby.”
Although Mwawi has signed for Waves, the club where she launched her professional netball career in 2011, the lofty shooter will keep working with the Vixens off the court.
“I am grateful for the club’s [Vixens’] support as we settle into our new family life. For now, I am excited to keep working with both Netball Victoria and the Vixens off the court and we will see what the future brings for me on the court,” she said.
Vixens stated on its website www.melbournevixens.com.au/ that MJ will not be contracted in their squad of 10 for 2025, but will remain connected to the team in an off-court capacity.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Vitumbiko Gubuduza yesterday said they were happy that Mwawi has signed with Waves while still working with Vixens off the court.
“These changes will allow her more time as she has started a family. It is an adjustment that will let her focus on her baby while playing professionally. Striking such a balance is key for the new Mom. We look forward to seeing MJ back on the court, with baby Maximus and husband Wanangwa cheering her on the sidelines,” she said.
Mwawi became Malawi’s first professional netball player in 2011 when she joined Waves from domestic league champions Escom Sisters, now Kukoma Diamonds).
