Former Malawi Queens coach Sam Kanyenda has accepted his appointment as Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) technical director (TD) effective today.
He says he is ready to serve and help the development of the sport in the country.
The development means the Blue Eagles Sisters’ coach has returned to national netball duties after being sidelined for three years following his open criticism of the local netball governing body over the expulsion of shooter Mwawi Kumwenda from the Queens’ squad for reporting late for camping ahead of the 2017 Fast5 Netball World Series in Australia.
“I am taking up the post and I am ready to serve,” said Kanyenda, who has succeeded former Queens’ coach Griffin Saenda in his new role.
The Assistant Commissioner in the Malawi Police Service (MPS) said he will try his best to help the national netball team return to the top-six ranks on the International Netball Federation (INF) world rankings through grassroots, coaches and umpires development. Malawi Queens are currently seventh in the world and third in Africa behind South Africa and Uganda.
“At present, we have the right coach [Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa] for the Queens and she needs time to fit players into the right playing positions. I will render all my support to her to achieve that as there is a need for teamwork,” he said.
“Other than that, we have to look into grassroots, coaches and umpires development because ranking improvement needs proper planning and implementation.”
In the letter of appointment, NAM president Khungekile Matiya said they settled for Kanyenda because of his continued passion for the game.
Part of the letter reads: “We wish to advise that the executive committee of NAM has resolved to appoint you as technical director. The decision has been made in light of the passion that you continuously demonstrate in the game of netball, and in recognition of your education and professional background.
“Be informed that the above position is on voluntary basis. However, NAM will reimburse actual expenses incurred to discharge your responsibility on behalf of the association. Further, any benefits in terms of allowances will be provided in line with the association’s scale of benefits.”
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