Confident Mwai Kumwenda ready to lead Malawi Queens at Netball World Cup

Malawi Queens towering shooter, Mwai Kumwenda, who became the first player to ply her trade abroad, returned to the Queens after a break is confident and ready to help the team at the Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, expected to throw-off on August 7.

Kumwenda told Nyasa Times on Wednesday before the team’s departure for Australia at Chileka Aiport that she is looking forward for a good tournament.

“It feels really good to be back in the squad . I am excited and I am looking forward to play alongside my fellow teammates. A lot has happened but l can assure you that it is water under the bridge,” she told Nyasa Times.

“I am planning on going hard on any team ahead of us, I think that we will probably put an extra gear and we are not going to leave any stone unturned. We know that we can do it (beat most of the teams) we just need to be more confident in ourselves. I am excited and I am ready to go,” Kumwenda stressed.

And according to Kumwenda, her shooting has improved tremendously as she had a wonderful season playing in New Zeland.

“My shooting has improved. I definitely worked on it throughout the season and I am feeling very comfortable. I had a very good season in New Zeland which I gained a lot of experience and I just want to bring that experience to the team and hopefully we can get over the line,” noted Kumwenda.

Meanwhile, President of Netball Association of Malawi Rose Chinunda said she is looking forward to seeing Kumwenda insipiring Malawi at the World Cup in Australia.

“I am happy that Kumwenda is back and is ready to help the team in Australia . I am proud of her achievements in New Zeland as every year she has been getting better and better. I am just glad she is here,” said Chinunda, who has also left with the team.

Malawi Queens captain, Carol Ngwira said the morale is high in camp with the coming in of Kumwenda.

“We missed her in our previous matches, but her presence now has lifted our spirit in camp,” said Ngwira.

Another Queens shooter Sindi Simutowe assured the nation of better results and vowed to upset the tables.

“We are going to Australia on a mission not as tourists. We urge Malawians to keep us in prayers, otherwise we are ready to carry the Malawi flag high,” said Simutowe.

Also present at the Airport to see the team off were Airtel Malawi officials, who are also the sponsors of the team.

Airtel Malawi Public Relations Officer Edith Tsilizani urged the girls to fight for a better position and keep the nation proud.

She said their company will continue bankrolling money to the team as one way of developing netball in the country.

“Go to Australia to make the nation proud. Back home we are behind you and Airtel will always support you in any way,” she said.