Malawian netball trio to wait ‘a bit’ longer

England-based Malawian netball trio of Joyce Mvula, Laureen Ngwira and Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda will have to wait a bit longer for action as the Vitality Netball Superleague has extended the postponement of all fixtures until at least May 31.

The league was initially suspended until April 30, but due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic it has now been pushed back further, according to www.newschain.uk.

But the solace is that the league could be one of the first sports to resume from June 1.

Three full rounds and two matches of round four were played until the crisis hit.

Part of a statement released by Netball England, reads: “We remain committed to returning to the court, but only when it is safe to do so as the health and well-being of our fans, volunteers, players, staff, officials and all of the Netball Family is of the upmost importance to us.

“We will continue to follow government guidance closely, whilst resuming conversations with clubs, players, partners and other stakeholders to consider a variety of options for reigniting the Vitality Netball Superleague when it is appropriate to do so.

“There have been no final time in relation to events/fixtures scheduled for later in the year.”

Mvula, who plays for Manchester Thunder, says she cannot wait to return to action.

“I miss the game a lot and I am just hoping that netball will resume soon.”

Meanwhile the Australian Suncorp Super Netball League, in which revered goal shooter Mwawi Kumwenda plays, has advised clubs that, until May, no team training can be held and that athletes should continue their 12 hours of individualised club training per week.

Following the recent Federal and state government announcements on reduced restrictions around social gatherings and sport, the league has considered the varied approaches of each State and territory as they apply to the resumption of training and playing.

In an interview yesterday, Kumwenda said “Hopefully next week we should resume training. We are just waiting to hear from government on easing restrictions and I am excited.”