Bad day in office for UK-based netballers

Malawi netball exports Joyce Mvula and Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda’s clubs on Monday lost their Vitality Netball Superleague matches in the United Kingdom (UK).

Mvula’s Manchester Thunder went down 44-53 to Wasps, three days after losing 60-35 to Team Bath.

Vinkhumbo’s Strathclyde Sirens suffered a 43-36 defeat to Leeds Rhinos, a day after settling for a 34-34 draw against Saracens Mavericks.

This was the second loss for defending champions Thunders in the elite league since 2019.

The loss is a setback in their title defence as it leaves them  sixth on the 11-team log table with nine points from five games, half that of leaders Loughborough Lightning.

However, Thunder have two games in hand.

Thunder’s latest loss was a painful experience not only for Mvula and teammates, but also to their coach Karen Greig as well.

“I’m really disappointed. I think the girls are as well so it’s back to the drawing board and rockets up some backsides,” Greig was quoted as having said by the BBC Sport after the match.

On her part, Mvula said as players, they take responsibility for the loss and promised to do their best to register victories in their next outings.

As for Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, Sirens’ latest defeat was a dent in her ‘Player of the Match’ performance against Mavericks on Sunday.

“Life is full of ups and downs. The latest defeat has taught us big lessons that will help us up our game,” she said.

Sirens are fifth on the table with 10 points from six matches this far.