Mvula, Thunder part ways

Barely a few days after inspiring Manchester Thunder to a fourth United Kingdom Vitality Netball Superleague title, Malawi Queens star Joyce Mvula has parted ways with the team.

The 28-year-old shooter, who bagged four player of the match awards in 22 league games in the just-ended season, confirmed the development in an interview  yesterday, but kept a tight lid on her next destination.

“Yes, it’s true that I’m no longer with Manchester Thunder from next season. It was announced yesterday,” she said. “On where I’m going next, I’m not at liberty to discuss it right now, but I will definitely let you know.”

However, Thunder on Tuesday stated on its website www.manchesterthunder.co.uk that the lanky shooter is moving on to new adventures overseas after her six-season sojourn with the UK netball champions.

According to the website, Mvula has already said goodbye to her teammates and fans.

“I just wanted to say thank you to the Manchester Thunder family, the fans and the players for the amazing years I’ve been sharing with them. It is time for me to say goodbye. I’ll miss you all. I love you all and you’ll always be in my heart,” she was quoted as having said.

Thunder head coach Karen Greig, who has had the pleasure of working with Joyce during her Thunder career, said: “What an amazing six years I have had coaching Joyce, to see all the hard work she has put, going from having never lifted a weight in her life to the strong, powerful athlete she is today.

“She has been like a sponge and always wanting and willing to learn. While I am disappointed that we lose Joyce, I am so proud of her that she is getting the opportunity to show how amazing she is overseas. It’s been a real honour to have been part of her netball journey and I wish her all the luck in the world.”

An article on the website waxed lyrical about Mvula’s contribution to Thunder’s success in the UK league.

“With her split landings and needle eye precision shooting, fans were often left in awe of Joyce’s ability in the shooting circle,” it said.

“Not missing one game, we didn’t think it was possible for Joyce to improve on her 2021 season with 699 goals in all 22 appearances. But in the 2022 season, she scored a whopping 774 goals with a goal accuracy of 91.38 percent which is just incredible.”

Mvula first signed for Thunder from Blue Eagles Sisters in 2017 before she helped the team win the league in 2019. Last year, she signed a season-long contract before the latest ultimate glory.