Malawi  Queens coach Mary Waya downplays Mwawi’s absence

Malawi national netball coach Mary Waya has downplayed the absence of star player Mwawi Kumwenda for the World Netball Series scheduled for November 8-9 in New Zealand.

Waya said the absence of New Zealand based would not affect the team because she has picked players who have responded to the national team call up.

The legendary shooter also said as the team left for New Zealand on Sunday that it was would give a chance to other players to prove their prowess.

“I cannot comment on how some of the players including Mwawi Kumwenda’s abence would affect the team because I submitted to Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) a list of 16 players for camping and 13 reported,” Waya said.

“So I will make do with what I have rather than talking about those who did not want to play for the nation.”

She also said Mwawi did not take part in Gotv Netball Club Challenge Trophy which was competed for based on Fast Five format.

The coach, sounding unconvinced with Mwawi Kumwenda alongside Tina Kamzati and Cecelia Mtukule’s absence, appealed to the players to be proud of the country.

Mwawi’s excuse that she would like to travel to South Africa for dental therapy was received with mixed reaction.

NAM President Rose Chinunda said her letter was should have been accompanied by a medical report while arguing that it was surprising whether the problem could be handled by local dentists.

The travelling delegation comprises players, Caroline Mtukule Ngwira, Towera Vinkhumbo, Jane Chimaliro, Grace Mwafulirwa, Takondwa Lwazi, Bridget Kumwenda and Laureen Ngwira.

Rose Chindunda is the leader of delegation with General Secretary Carol Bapu also making the trip.  Nam Treasurer Abgail Sharriff is the team manager