...GS Kauma says Mvula retired on social media..
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)—The sports fraternity in Malawi has been left puzzled by the Netball Association of Malawi’s (NAM) decision to include retired shooter Joyce Mvula in the Queens’ provisional squad ahead of preparations for the 2027 Commonwealth Games.
Mvula, who is currently pregnant, announced her retirement last month from both national team and club-level netball, stating she wanted to focus on her pregnancy and family.
The former Manchester Thunder and Leeds Rhinos NIC star insisted she would not return to action as a player.
However, NAM General Secretary Yamikani Kauma Khungwa defended the inclusion, saying the player had not made a formal communication to the association.
“Joyce didn’t make an official communiqué to us — she announced it on social media. The list was provided to us by the technical team last year.
“These are the names the technical staff are eyeing for the Commonwealth Games,” said Kauma.
She added that the association also received advice from newly appointed expatriate technical consultant Debbie Fuller, who will lead preparations with support from Malawi University of Science and Technology, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences Sports Complex officials, and an interim technical committee.
“The new consultant advised us to include her on the list as she was also looking at the international players we have available.
“But right now we know she is pregnant, so we will leave the decision in the hands of the consultant,” Kauma added.
For her part, 31-year-old Joyce Mvula Chimwenje expressed surprise at her inclusion, saying she had made her retirement clear and questioned why she remained on the list.
Players began a comprehensive selection trial process on Sunday.
The trials will progress into a first preparatory camp, which will give every player a fair opportunity to showcase their skills, fitness, and potential under high-performance standards before the first cut is made by March 4.
Provisional Squad:
Joyce Mvula Chimwenje, Takondwa Lwazi, Mwai Kumwenda, Lerrie Banda, Malieta Harrison, Fanada Saidi, Nancy Mwaulambo, Shirah Nkhoma, Beatrice Kumwenda, Aisha Gama, Cynthia Khunga, Rebecca Kambewa, Adidya Jumah, Martha Dambo, Ethel Ng’ambi, Ruth Kaliyenda, Ideas Zachalia, Mphatso Kanyimbo, Patricia Moyo, Melia Soko, Chifuniro Moses, Florence Jeke, Catherine Khofi, Alice Mvula, Thokozani Makunganya, Julie Kumwera, Mphatso Banda, Flora Chipeta, Chimwemwe Dzanja, Stella Matelezi, Florence Gamuka, Mervies Kayange, Sophilet Banda, Thandie Galeta, Tendai Masamba, Martha Matupi, Ida Gift Mhone, Mestinah Mtete, Shabel Bengo, Grace Phiri, Grace Chimbiri, Ruth Chimzimu, Agnes Kuyenda, and Evelyn Kazembe.