Mwawi returns to action
Australia-based shooter Mwawi Kumwenda is expected to return to action today as her team Melbourne Vixens face Adelaide Thunderbirds in Suncorp Super Netball.
Writing on her Facebook page, the Malawian, who missed the Netball World Cup in Liverpool after injury kept her out of action for 12 months, expressed her excitement.
“I am speechless. To be back on court with the @[melbournevixens] tomorrow is a dream,” reads the post.
Vixens also offered rare reviews on its website on the Malawian’s return.
“The Melbourne Vixens will be bolstered with the inclusion of squad members Mwawi Kumwenda, Kim Commane and Jacqui Newton for this weekend’s match against the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
“Mwawi Kumwenda will return to the court for the Vixens after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] almost a year ago to the day July 29 2018,” reads the report in part.
But her return to action barely a week after the Netball World Cup has been received with mixed reactions as some Queens’ fans condemn her for allegedly dodging national service.
“Just a week after Netball World Cup,” reads a post by a concerned fan.
“Indeed this is questionable,” reads another post.
Former MDC United and Mighty Be Forward Wanderers player Chiyembekezo Zidana said: “The way we treat players in Malawi leaves a lot to be desired.”
Sports commentator Dan Tambala said, as a professional, Mwawi could not risk joining the Queens when she was not fully fit.
“She trains to be the best. She invests her body to be in best form. Talent belongs to her. We negotiate to use her talent.
“She is a master of her talent. She can decide even to retire from the Queens. It’s her choice and not a crime,” he said.
However, Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis applauded the Malawian for successfully going through rehabilitation.
With a beaming smile, the head coach credited Mwai ‘MJ’ Kumwenda’s attitude towards her rehabilitation.
“The work that MJ has been doing over the last 12 months, particularly in the last four weeks, has been so impressive.
“She’s really put her head down with the goal to get 100 percent right before she takes to the court and I’m really proud that she’s able to get out there this week,” said McKinnis.
However, Mwawi had wanted to be part of the Malawi squad that put up a gallant fight at the World Netball Cup in Liverpool, UK where it it finished sixth, having lost to second-ranked Jamaica in the fifth-place play-offs.
On her Facebook post, dated July 11, she said: “All the best Malawi Queens. We are all behind you and we believe as a nation that you have all the potential to turn the tables.
“I will be glued to my TV cheering you and expecting the best from you girls.
#Bring the world cup home#.”
