Mwawi Kumwenda scoops three awards
Malawi’s sole Oceania netball export Mwawi Kumwenda has scooped three awards at her New Zealand team Tactix, underlining her credentials as their best player.
Kumwenda was awarded the 2015 Mainland Tactix Player of the Year, the Players’ Player of the Year and the Members Player of the Year at the team’s annual gala dinner awards held on Wednesday.
The awards, held at Christchurch Casino’s Mashina Lounge, were a celebration of the year and a way to recognise and acknowledge the contribution of players, management, sponsors and supporters.
“I am very excited, it just proves how the team values my contribution. Let me also express my appreciation to my teammates because without them, I cannot be a shining star,” said Mwawi in an interview from New Zealand on Thursday.
“It was a fantastic evening and wonderful to celebrate the season and share it with our members, sponsors, partners and families,” Mainland Netball CEO Brigit Hearn said.
“Huge congratulations to Mwawi for taking three awards back to Malawi and showing what a world-class athlete she is. We are looking forward to having her back in 2016!”
Two more awards were given out on the night with versatile young shooter Gemma Hazeldine winning Rookie of the Year honours and Charlotte Elley taking home the Performance Player of the Year Award. Elley is a member of the Tactix train-on squad and New Zealand Under-21 development squad.
The Tactix ended their 2015 ANZ Championship season on a high after defeating eventual New Zealand Conference Champions Kia Magic in the final round. Four players have already been announced to return to the Tactix fold in 2016; Mwawi, Gemma Hazeldine, Nicola Mackle and new recruit Olivia Coughlan with more announcements expected shortly. n
