Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) says the absence of lanky shooter Joyce Mvula-Chimwenje will be felt as Queens compete in this year’s tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games and Africa qualifiers for 2027 Netball World Cup.
NAM general secretary Yamikani Kauma said this on Sunday in reaction to Mvula’s announcement on her United Kingdom (UK) club NIC Leeds Rhinos’ Facebook page that she is stepping away from netball to focus on her pregnancy and family matters.
Said Kauma: “As an association, we fully respect and support Joyce in this important phase of her life and we commend her for communicating openly with us and the nation.
“Joyce is an experienced and influential player who has contributed greatly to the success of the Malawi Queens over the years. Naturally, her absence will be felt, especially considering the important tournaments scheduled for this year, including the Commonwealth Games and the Africa World Cup Qualifier.”
However, she said netball is a team sport and the Queens have always been built on depth, resilience and collective effort.
“This development presents an opportunity for other players to step up and for the technical team to further strengthen squad depth and tactical options,” said Kauma.
“The association has confidence in the available players to prepare well for all upcoming assignments. Our focus remains on ensuring that Malawi Queens are well prepared, competitive and united as we approach these major tournaments. We also wish Joyce a healthy pregnancy and look forward to welcoming her back to the sport when the time is right.”
On her part, Mvula said her stepping away is not a goodbye, but a new chapter as netball is and has always been part of her life.
“As I step away to focus on my family, I would like to sincerely thank my teammates, coaches and supporters for the journey we have shared,” she said.
“To our sponsors, England Netball, NAM, StepOut 7 and all the fans, your support has meant everything to me. Netball will always be part of who I am.”
Rhinos have since congratulated Mvula-Chimwenje, saying: “We send our love and best wishes to Joyce and her family on their wonderful news and we would like to thank her for all she has given to the club over the last two seasons.”
The club has since embarked on a recruitment process to find Mvula-Chimwenje’s replacement ahead of the 2026 season.
