National Sports

U-21 netballer strikes SA deal

Malawi Under-21 national netball team goal defender (GD) Esther Sibale has been offered a six-month contract at South African club Golden Flames.

Confirming the development in a telephone interview, the Soweto-based side’s head coach Bonakele Mzamo said  the 19-year-old impressed during her two-week long trials.

“She is a quality player who understands the game sharply. We have offered her a half year deal which can be extended if she impresses,” he said.

Has signed a six-month deal: Sibale

Golden Flames, which was formed last year, campaigns in the professional Falcons Action League which throws off next week.

“Once she is cleared, we expect her to start playing league games instantly,” he said.

Sibale’s representative Prince Jere, an agent for Touchline Sports Management Agency, said Golden Flames invited the netballer for trials after watching her during the Under-21 Africa Netball Championship in Botswana last year.

“She is so excited to have been offered a contract.  She wants to succeed in her career and has promised to fight hard,” he said.

Sibale, who can also play as wing back, is contracted to Mzuzu-based Lameck Queens.

Meanwhile,  Queens director  Jane Kachale in an interview said she was not aware about Sibale’s success.

“She told us about her going to South Africa for the trials.  However, I don’t know that she has been offered a contract,” she said.

Kachale said the club will discuss with Touchline Sports Management Agency on terms and conditions surrounding the deal before releasing the player.

Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary Carol Bapu said it was pleasing that more foreign clubs are interested in Malawi talent.

She added that the netball governing body has not cleared the player because Lameck Queens have not formally asked for it.

She is set to become the third Malawian professional netballer after Mwawi Kumwenda and Joyce Mvula who ply their trade in Australia and England, respectively.n

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