Netballer won’t appeal 25-year ban

Karonga Queens captain Abigail Mwafulirwa says she has no intention to appeal her 25-year ban imposed by the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM).

The goal defender was found guilty of leading a skirmish which led to the assault of an umpire, Lot Chiumia, during a Presidential Cup regional finals match against Mzuzu Queens last year.

Speaking in an interview from Karonga yesterday, the netballer said: “When I heard about the ruling I was shocked, but I will not appeal because I do not think it will change anything.

“I have accepted it and life goes on. If anything, I will just be playing social netball, otherwise I am done with active netball.”

Mwafulirwa said she is paying the price for leading the protest as captain of her team.

NAM general secretary Carol Bapu said the lengthy ban was meted out because of the severity of the offence

 Meanwhile, Karonga Queens are barred from taking part in this year’s edition of the Presidential Cup.

“But the one-year ban imposed on the team has been reduced to six months because they showed remorse during the disciplinary hearing.

“However, the K10 000 fines imposed on the team’s officials Catherine Shama and Rexa Chiumia still stand,” Bapu said.