One on One with Mwawi Kumwenda

The country’s sole netball export Mwawi Kumwenda (MK) is set to scale dizzy heights after clinching a deal with New Zealand top-flight league side Easy Yo Tactix. I caught up with the Malawi Queens shooter to find out how she is looking forward to the new challenge.

GC: You must have been excited when you clinched the deal?

MK:

Since I was a child, all I wanted was to play netball. God has been kind to me that my dream has been realised. I feel excited that now I have turned professional. It is a dream come true and, yes, I felt like flying.

GC: From Australia to New Zealand, what is the difference?

MK:

There is a big difference because in Australia I was playing in an amateur league, which is the platform for preparing players for the professional league. The fact that I will be playing with some of the best netballers in the world gives me a lot of satisfaction. It will be tough, but I am prepared for the challenge.

GC: So what are your goals as you prepare to start a new lease of life?

MK:

I just want to give out something extra and cement my position in the team because by so doing, I can open the door for fellow Malawian netballers. We have good players who can make the grade. I want to see if I can negotiate with some teams to invite them for trials. If we can have two or more players playing in a professional league overseas, then our game will develop and it will be easier to break into the top four.

GC: But, unlike you, most of your fellow netballers back home are betrayed by their short height?

MK:

Of course, that could be the stumbling block, but I guess if one is good, there is nothing that can stand in the way. They just need to be given a chance to prove their worth.

GC: On a lighter note, you should be stinking rich. How much did Tactix offer you as signing on fee?

MK:

[Laughs] Unfortunately, I would rather keep it under wraps, suffice to say it was satisfactory.

GC: Finally, how do you rate Queens’ chances in the forthcoming test matches in Australia?

MK:

Preparations have gone on well. Everyone is raring to go and I believe we will do well.