Mwawi says did not watch Queens play

Malawi’s sole professional netballer Mwawi Kumwenda has admitted that she was in the country when the Queens were participating in the Fast5 World Series in New Zealand.

The supremely gifted New Zealand-based shooter excused herself from the tournament, saying it coincided with her trip to South Africa for tooth extraction.

However, she categorically dismissed rumour that she never made the trip to South Africa for treatment.

“I was here in Mzimba to see my mum when the tournament was being played, then I will proceed to Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota and finally Kasungu for netball clinics.

“But I travelled to South Africa prior to the tournament. I was there for six days,” said the Easiyo Tactix player in a phone interview on Monday.

She also refused to comment on suggestions that her absence might have contributed to the Queens’ poor showing in New Zealand where they lost all their five games.

“I have no comment on that because I did not watch the games. Sindinathe kuwonera pa TV. Amayi anga alibe TV [I could not watch the Queens’ games on TV because my mother does not have a TV set].

She also said her village is in a remote area such that she could not access TV.

Mwawi also refused to comment on speculations she snubbed the Queens because of outstanding dues.

Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary Carol Bapu said she will comment on Mwawi’s issue at an appropriate time.