New Zealand media underrates Malawi’s Mwawi Kumwenda
She has won Most Valued player and left a mark in Australia but that will not guarantee Mwawi Kumwenda a star status in New Zealand where Tactix interested to offer the Malawian netball star a deal.
According to a report by an online New Zealand publication, Stuff.co.nz, Kumwenda will not have an impact to turn around the fortunes of the club
“Good on the Tactix for thinking outside the box and signing Malawi international Mwai Kumwenda, but don’t put slap of paint on an old shack and call it a mansion. The Tactix will still struggle and while they are celebrating their newest signing and the fact they have the first African player- apart from Irene van Dyk and Leana de Bruin – in the competition, the 2014 Tactix side is not one that will compete,” states the paper.
The columnist says Tactix’s move to engage the Malawian star would not be enough to for the team to challenge for honours in next year’s trans-Tasman competition involving top New Zealand and Australia clubs.
“The Tactix have missed the boat big time in the race to sign players and will again pay the price in next year’s trans-Tasman competition.
Mainland Netball boss Brigit Hearn called Kumwenda ”a fantastic addition” and said having the 23-year-old on board will help ”build and develop the Tactix into an extremely competitive side”.
He states that having played in Melbourne for seasons she could have landed a big deal from one of the top clubs in Australia.
“Kumwenda has played in Melbourne for three seasons and not been picked up by the Melbourne Vixens – or any other side.”
The paper also says that she would be disadvantaged by her height (1.84m) tall to towering defenders reaching up to 1.98m tall.
“She is by no means a game breaker for the Tactix and will not have the impact of a player like Romelda Aiken at the Firebirds or Jhaniele Fowler at the Steel. Fowler is 1.98m tall and is the type of target who can wait under the goal for easy ball and shoot at 95 per cent.”
“Kumwenda is apparently a great shot, but at 1.84m tall, she’s going to come in for plenty of attention from the competition’s physical, tall defenders.”
But he applauds Tactix for turning to her as alternative having failed to land other targets.
“The point isn’t that they signed her, as I said, of what was left, Kumwenda was a good option, but the Tactix had again missed the boat.”
“Their ‘stars’ will be the same players that only helped them get to ninth this season. Anna Thompson will go well, former English skipper Jade Clarke will again be the side’s player of the year and a couple of the younger players will improve.
“They want to build and develop their own talent and that’s admirable, but when it comes down to it, they need a better team quickly.”
Malawi joined Australian’s Peninsula Waves from Escom Sisters on loan.
She has helped the team win the title this year.
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