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Mwawi gets special gift from her team, well-wisher

 

Malawi’s sole  netball export Mwawi Kumwenda got a special gift from her New Zealand club Tactix and an anonymous donor when they sponsored her mother Costa’s surprise visit.

The gangly goal shooter was left astonished when her mother appeared during Tactix’s training session on Saturday afternoon in Christchurch and there were tears of joy when the unsuspecting Malawi Queens star.

Earning Malawi raises: Mwawi
Earning Malawi raises: Mwawi

“I just couldn’t believe it and I thought I was dreaming when I saw her pop in at our training venue, it came as a big surprise,” said Mwawi in an interview from New Zealand on Monday.

The emotional and surprise meeting was coveted by TV New Zealand’s (tvnz) Seven Sharp bulletin.

To add extra spice to an already hot mixture, Mwawi’s mum watched her daughter in Tactix’s final match of the season against the Kia Magic, a thriller in which the they won 62-58.

“The feeling that she was there watching me, was wonderful and it will, forever, remain one of the best moments of my life. I thank the well-wisher and my team for this special gift,” said Mwawi.

Mwawi said her mum also made a surprise visit to Australia a few years back when she was playing for the Peninsula Waves Netball Club in Victoria but had not yet seen her play Netball in the ANZ Championship.

Mainland Tactix CEO Brigit Hearn was quoted by Tactix website as saying her team and the Mainland Netball family were absolutely delighted to welcome Costa.

“It was a very emotional reunion and exciting for Costa to see her daughter play ANZ Championship netball for the first time and see how much Mwawi is adored in the Mainland,” Hearn said.

“It’s a very special thing to be able to experience something of her daughter’s life here and I know she’ll enjoy our Mainland hospitality!”

Mwawi has been a revelation in the ANZ Championship over the past two seasons, picking up the Best New Talent award in 2014 and impressing audiences with her unorthodox yet effective play in the attacking circle.

Costa will stay in New Zealand until July 8 when she travels back home to Malawi alongside her daughter. According to Mwawi, they will pass through Australia.

Mwawi (R) reacts after seeing her mother

 

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One Comment

  1. Goodness me! Nation sports writer and Editor: When did New Zealand turn to be a European country? How embarassing can that be and even in the intro? Did you guys ever read Geography in Primary school? Or you think all white-dominated countries are in Europe? Poor journalism

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