Mwai Kumwenda wins MBC Sports Personality of the Year award

Malawi’s only netball export Mwawi Kumwenda on Friday won the MBC Innovative Sports Personality of the Year award for 2015 after beating South Africa-based boxer Isaac Chilemba who was also nominated for the award.

The award was presented to Kumwenda by Minister of Sports ad Culture Grace Chiumia at Innovations Awards Gala held at College of Medicine Sports Complex in Blantyre which was attended by President Peter Mutharika.

“I didn’t expect this, it has come as a surprise, ” said Kumwenda, currently assistant coach for Kukoma Diamonds but play for New Zealad’s Tactix.

“”Thank you very much,” said Kumwenda who recieved a trophy, K500 000 and a paid for one month trips to Egypt and China.

“I dedicate the award to my family, friends and my fans,” said Kumwenda who was recently named Player of the Tournament at 2015 Netball World Cup.

Kumwenda’s professional career took off in 2012 after an impressive performance at the 2012 Fast5 Netball Championship in Auckland, New Zealand.

In 2013 she became the first African netball player to sign for Tactix and in2014, she was named Best New Talent for ANZ Championship.

According to MBC, the innovation awards which were being held for the first time will be an annual event.