NAM suspends Queens coach’s hiring
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has shelved its plan to hire Malawi Queens coach following immediate-past coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa’s decision to sue the association for unlawful dismissal.
She was fired in July this year, just weeks before the 2023 Netball World Cup and NAM appointed its technical director Samuel Kanyenda as the caretaker coach, specifically for the global showpiece held in Cape Town, South Africa.
In an interview yesterday, NAM general secretary Isaac Chimwala said they will seek legal advice before determining the way forward.
He said: “We will seek advice and direction from legal minds since the issues are contractual in nature.”
Chimwala played down the possibility of the move affecting the Queens’ preparations for upcoming engagements.
He said: “There is still time since the next tournament is in November and we are hoping that by that time, the issue will have been dealt with.”
The Malawi National Netball Team is scheduled to take part in the Fast5 World Netball Series from November 11-12 in Christchurch, New Zealand where the other participating teams will be Australia, hosts New Zealand, England, Jamaica and South Africa.
In December, the Queens are also expected to take part in the Africa Netball Championship in Gaborone, Botswana.
Chawinga-Kaluwa, through her lawyers Makiyi, Kanyenda and Associates, sued NAM at the Industrial Relations Court over her removal and wants the court to declare that NAM unlawfully terminated her contract, constructively dismissed her and discriminated against her.
Last week, the association stirred controversy for engaging Attorney General Chambers to represent it in the labour dispute.
