Ever-shining Australia-based netball star Mwawi Kumwenda yesterday enjoyed a double celebration after being named Nissan Player-of-the-Match in her team Melbourne Vixens’ 58-54 victory over Sunshine Coast Lightning on her 31st birthday.
According to a match report carried in the Sydney Morning Herald, in both sides’ last game of the regular season, Vixens put on a commanding display in the first part of the final term, turning a one-point three-quarter-time lead into an 11-point lead in the blink of an eye.
Reads part of the report: “Mwawi Kumwenda was sharp as ever under the net, Caitlin Thwaites dangerous at goal attack and Kate Moloney starred in the middle.”
In an interview yesterday, Mwawi said she was excited to win the Player-of-the-Match accolade for the second time..
She said: “Winning it on my birthday was also something special. So, yes, I am very excited about it all.
“I am proud of my teammates, we put up a superb performance today and we can’t wait for the final games next week.”
The gangly netballer also paid tribute to her teammate Liz Watson, who played her 100th game.
“She is an amazing player. I love playing with her,” said Mwawi.
Her club tweeted @MelbourneVixens: “What a game from the birthday girl, Mwawi Kumwenda, who is @Nissan_Aus’s Player of the Match! MJ [Mwawi] was leaping across the goal circle and took balls no one else could!
“She shot at an amazing 91.3 percent, only missing her two Super Shot attempts! We love [it] when you’re fired up MJ!”
Mwawi won her first Nissan Player of the Match accolade this season a fortnight ago when she inspired Vixens to a 62-55 victory over NSW Swifts.
