It doesn’t get sweeter than this.
Malawi Queens and Blue Eagles Sisters’ star shooter Joyce Mvula has signed for English Vitality Super League side Manchester Thunder.
The lanky netballer—who has signed a seven-month deal—could not hide her excitement at becoming the second netball export overseas after Mwawi Kumwenda and could not be blamed if at all she felt like flying.
“It has always been my dream to play professional netball but honestly I didn’t expect it. It is a dream come true,” she said.
The 22-year-old gangly shooter said Thunder spotted her while playing for the Queens.
“They followed me during the 2015 Netball World Cup (NWC) and they were impressed, but I didn’t have any clue. This is good for Malawi netball and hopefully doors will open for other fellow netballers.”
Mvula who has been described as a “dynamic shooter who is quick and adaptable” by Thunder, is expected to leave for the United Kingdom in January when her visa is processed.
“Mvula is sure to fit in well into a Black and Yellows squad which is a mix of youth and experience,” read part of the report on the Manchester-based side’s website.
And in an interview with Thunder’s website, Mvula said: “I am really happy to be playing in the Super League as it is one of the best in the world.
“Coming from Malawi, for me, it is a great achievement. I am looking forward to joining up with the team.”
According to Thunder, she replaces Jamaican Marvadene Anderson who has been withdrawn due to Visa issues.
The team’s coach Karen Greig said of her latest import signing: “I am excited to have Joyce on board, having observed her during the NWC last year and fast fives more recently Joyce has proven that she is an exciting shooter who has great physical capabilities and ability to play both GS [goal shooter] & GA [goal attacker] and will pose a great threat to any defence she faces.
“I am really looking forward to welcoming her into the Thunder family.”
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary Carol Bapu described it as an “early Christmas gift to the netball fraternity.”
She added: “As NAM we are happy that we will now have another player turning out for a top league overseas. This will definitely improve the performance of the Queens and we wish her all the best so that she can also open the doors doe other players.”
Mvula has plenty of experience on the international stage, having competed in the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and Netball World Cup in Sydney in 2015.
Most recently she played for The Queens in the Fast5 tournament, beating the England Roses to take third place.
She has also had stints with Tanzanian clubs.
