Mwawi allays fears on height
Netball export Mwawi Kumwenda has quashed claims by a New Zealand publication Stuff.co.nz that the Malawi Queens’ shooter will struggle in that country’s league.
The 23-year-old, who has just signed a one-year contract with New Zealand side Tactix, commented on the issue on Wednesday upon her arrival at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre for an off-season break.
“I am the kind of player who thrives on tough challenges. Those that have watched me playing would agree with me that I have the physical strength to jump and overpower any defender that dares to challenge me. I am not intimidated by any frightening statements because I know my destiny.
“Those that doubt my proficiency should just wait and watch me in the New Zealand netball courts this December,” said Kumwenda.
reported a few days ago that Mwawi would be disadvantaged by her 1.84-metre height in a country that has defenders as tall as 1.98 metres.
The publication insinuated that Tactix’s move to take the Malawian on board would not be enough for the side to challenge for honours in the 2014 Trans-Tasman contest that involves New Zealand and Australian teams.
The publication reported: “Mwawi is apparently a great shot, but at 1.84 metres tall, she is going to come in for plenty of attention from the competition’s physical, tall defenders.
“She is by no means a game breaker for the Tactix and will not have the impact of a player like Romeida Aiken at the Firebirds or Jhaniele Fowler at the Steel. Fowler is 1.98 metres tall and is the type of target who can wait under the goal for an easy ball and shoot at 95 percent accuracy.”
Mwawi, who arrived back home with her mother whom she invited for a month-long sojourn in Australia where she has won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, is expected to fly to New Zealand in December.
