English club awaits Queens duo’s return

English Vitality Superleague netball outfit Manchester Thunder has summoned its Malawian duo—shooter Joyce Mvula and defender Laureen Ngwira—for preparations ahead of the 2021 season.

According to www.skysports.com, England Netball has confirmed that the 2021 Vitality Superleague season will return in February 2021 following the cancellation of the 2020 season in May due to Covid-19.

In an interview yesterday, Mvula said they have received communication from their club to return to England.

She said: “We are just waiting for the visas, otherwise we should be leaving any day.

“In fact, that was the reason I did not join the national netball team for the test series in South Africa.”

The gangly shooter, who is considered one of the top players in the English top netball league, said she cannot wait to return to action.

“It will be great to return to the court because I miss netball a lot.”

At the time of cancelling the 2020 season, Thunder, who are the defending champions, were the league leaders.

The league was suspended in March after four rounds of matches, culminating in its cancelletion a month later.

The contracts for Mvula were renewed on October 31 which was the deadline for player signing.

Meanwhile, the status of Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda’s contract with another England top-flight side VNSL Severn Stars is unclear following the closure of player signings.

Her former club Kukoma Diamonds’ chairperson Lumbani Mtonyo said the player’s contract expired in June and Severn Stars are yet to express their interest to extend it.

“If they [Severn Stars] are still interested then they will have to inform us,” she said.