Malawi Queens’ overseas-based goal shooters Mwawi Kumwenda and Joyce Mvula will not be part of the squad to play three test series against Star Proteas in South Africa.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) and Kumwenda yesterday contradicted on the reasons for the gangly shooter’s absence.
A statement issued by NAM yesterday stated that while Kumwenda was released by her Australian club Melbourne Vixens for national duty, the player said she could not make it as she is on holiday.
Reads part of the statement: “Her club cleared her, but she excused herself, saying she is on holiday.”
But in an interview with The Nation yesterday, Kumwenda said: “Unfortunately, I will not be available for the series as I am still going through physiotherapy to attain pre-injury 100 percent while on holiday here in Melbourne.
“However, I am available for any future engagements. I wish the Malawi Queens and technical crew all the best during these three games.”
Kumwenda has not played for the Queens for over two years now.
On England-based Mvula’s absence, NAM said her absence is due to club commitments.
The Queens will also be without another England-based goal defender Laureen Ngwira and Alinafe Kamwala, who were dropped on disciplinary grounds.
NAM general secretary Carol Bapu said the 15-member squad, which leaves the country this morning, has four new faces, namely Maggie Sikwese, Beauty Basiao, Mary Nyirenda and Tendai Masamba.
The test matches will be played between November 26 and 30. The full list of players is as follows: Defenders: Carol Mtukule-Ngwira, Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, Martha Dambo, Grace Mwafulirwa, Juliet Sambo, Basiao and Sikwese; Attackers: Takondwa Lwazi, Bridget Kumwenda, Thandi Galeta and Beatrice Mpinganjira; Shooters: Sindi Simtowe-Msowoya, Jesca Mazengera-Sanudi, Masamba and Nyirenda.
