The year that Mwawi’s star shone the brightest
After she was named Player of the Tournament at the 2015 World Netball Cup, Malawi Queens lanky goal shooter Mwawi Kumwenda’s star shone brightly again at 2016 the Fast5 World Netball Series.
Kumwenda, who top scored for the tournament inspired the Queens to win bronze after beating continental rivals South Africa, Jamaica and the world’s third-ranked side England.
She was also named New Zealand top club Mainland Tactix’s most valuable player (MVP) in the just ended year.
She has now moved to Australia’s National Netball League giants Melbourne Vixens.
Her departure from Tactix was a blow and the club’s chief executive officer Bridget Hearn was disappointed.
“We did everything we could to keep her but I imagine she was offered a substantial package which no team could match. She was our top player,” said Hearn.
But at 26, Kumwenda could not resist the glamour and the challenge of playing one of the world top netball leagues.
“Mulungu si James [God is not James (man)]. In all I do I praise my God. He is behind my success. I work hard in training and listen to my coaches, but it is God who fulfils my plans,” said Kumwenda.
“I always thrive on challenges and as a professional netballer I need to grab every opportunity I get to compete at the highest level.”
Already she has appealed to leading global cable TV Sky Sports who did a documentary on her rise to fame programme Netball Zone.
A video clip of Kumwenda’s brief profile beamed on Sky Sports Netball Zone programme, which is also trending on You tube, captures her rise from the dust courts of Mzimba LEA Primary School to the glamour and glitter of the New Zealand Professional Netball League.
Her global exploits did not escape the attention of mobile phone services providers Airtel Malawi who have made her their ambassador.
Unveiling her on November 10 in Lilongwe, Airtel marketing director Emmanuel Kasambala described Kumwenda as an inspiring global figure.
“It has pleased Airtel Malawi to extend the tenure of Mwawi’s role as Airtel’s brand ambassador for another year, during which time she will represent us through a wider range of products and campaigns,” he said. n
