The availability of recently retired celebrated netballer Joyce Mvula Chimwenje took a new twist yesterday when she rejected Netball Association of Malawi’s (NAM) call for her to formally communicate her decision to retire from playing. The former Malawi Queens shooterwas quoted by Zodiak Broadcasting Station as having said she is not obliged to take such a formal approach on the matter. “Why should I inform NAM about my decision to retire from playing netball as if I had a contract with them?” charged the former England-based player yesterday.
“Players such as Peace Chawinga-[Kalua] and Mary Waya, who quit before me did not inform NAM formally when they retired and, therefore, my case should not be an exception.” The 31-year-old celebrated netballer, who announced her retirement four weeks ago, also hailed the Queens’ new expatriate trainer Debbie Fuller for including her in the 44-player provisional squad in preparation for the forthcoming 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games in Scotland. “It shows that she appreciates my talents and I am flattered, unfortunately I will not change my decision,” she said. Mvula said NAM should respect her decision that she is done with playing netball.
In an earlier interview with The Nation on Sunday, she expressed surprise at her inclusion. “I made it clear that I have retired and I wonder why I am on the list,” she said. But later on, NAM clarified that Mvula’s inclusion was on Fuller’s advice.
[paywall]
When contacted for comment yesterday, NAM general secretary Yamikani Kauma declined to comment on Mvula’s remarks. “I am no longer going to comment on that issue,” she said. Mvula first announced that she would be taking a break from the game due to pregnancy, but later on announced her retirement altogether.
Her last team was Leeds Rhinos in the UK Netball top-flight league. She made her debut for the Queens in 2012.
[/paywall]
All Zim News – Bringing you the latest news and updates.
