World body hires Mary Waya to conduct course
Netball legend Mary Waya, who is director of netball in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, has been hired by International Netball Federation (INF) to conduct a week-long coaching course in Kenya.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Waya said it was an honour for her and Malawi to be given such a task.
She also said there are only five qualified netball tutors in Africa, four of whom are South Africans.
“It’s great for me to be engaged by the world netball governing body to conduct a course in Kenya. It’s not about me, but a pride for Malawi,” Waya said.
A letter from INF signed by Africa region development manager Joan Smit, to Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultures states: “The International Netball Federation will conduct a coaching course and officiating course from December 1-5 in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants will include 60 teachers and netball players.
“Mary Waya is a qualified Africa netball tutor and tester and is eligible to present the C Africa award coaching to coaches.”
The former Malawi national netball team and MTL player said the course will run from on Monday to Friday and it will also tackle umpiring.
She also appealed to Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) to take advantage of her presence to drill local netball coaches.
Malawi National Council of Sports acting executive secretary Henry Mereka said the news has proved that Waya has skills to develop the sport in Africa.
“Obviously, it’s good for her as it underscores how knowledgeable she is. Being director of netball, we feel honoured as a nation and believe she will use the knowledge and experience being accumulated to help in developing more coaches for the country,” he said.
