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Vinkhumbo named in world’s best

UK-based netballer Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda has been named in the world’s best team for 2021 following her exploits at Scottish club Strathclyde Sirens of the Vitality Netball Superleague.

According to www.netballscoop.com, the former Kukoma Diamonds netballer-cum-footballer inspired her team to a sensational run despite joining the team late.

Among the best: Vinkhumbo

Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda and Sam Wallace of Trinidad & Tobago tied for fifth with 10 votes, Sam Winders of New Zealand and England’s Serena Guthrie shared seventh position with eight votes.

Shamera Sterling of Jamaica and Australian Coutney Bruce tied on third with 15 votes, Karin Burger of New Zealand was second-placed with 16 votes and last year’s most valued player Jhanielle Fowler retained her position with 31 votes.

Among others, Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, who is the only African in the world’s best team of 2021, was voted because of her resilience.

Reads the statement: “This selection maybe a surprise to some, but also popular to many. Quite simply the Malawian defender Towera Vinkhumbo had a brilliant year in the Vitality Netball Superleague in 2021. This is remarkable, considering the fact that she was not even originally signed by Strathclyde Sirens.

“She only found her way into the squad after an injury forced Van Zimbela to pull out. Vinkhumbo then went on to dominate the season in defence and her form turned Sirens into a highly competitive team. That consistently threatened most of the top clubs.”

In her remarks, Melbourne-based journalist Jenny Sinclair said Vinkhumbo was outstanding.

 She said: “Selecting Towera Vinkhumbo as the world’s best player for 2021 might surprise some people, but not to me. She was simply outstanding. She is one of the shortest goalkeepers we have seen on the circuit and yet she was in superb form for the Strathclyde Sirens. Her quick reflexes, athleticism, and ability to hunt for the ball was exceptional.”

Another writer Katrina Nissen said the Malawian defied the odds to put up a brilliant performance.

“At just 175cm, Vinkhumbo is short for a goalkeeper, but that did not stop her as she led the VNSL for intercepts and deflections on the back of the last-minute call up, no preseason and arriving at a new team,” she said.

Reacting to the news, Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) vice-president Chimwemwe Bakali said it is good news which has done Malawi proud.

“It’s exciting news that our player has been recognised at world stage. It just shows how talented Malawian players are. This will inspire and motivate young players to aim higher,” he said.

Australia-based compatriot Mwawi Kumwenda, who was named in the 2019 world’s best team on fourth, applauded her for the feat.

“Congratulations to our sister Towera Vinkhumbo for being  selected as one of the best players in the world. We are proud of you girl,” she said

Former NAM general secretary Carol Bapu summed up: “This is awesome news we love to hear.”

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