Australia-based Malawi Queens goal shooter Mwawi Kumwenda-M’bwana says she is excited to be back at the Netball World Cup after missing the previous 2019 edition due to injury.

Before that, Mwawi was named Player of the Tournament at the 2014 edition.

In an interview yesterday, the Melbourne Vixens shooter said: “It feels great to be back on the big stage after missing the previous edition.

“This is a very important tournament to us as a team and me personally because it’s the first time it’s being held on African soil.

“My husband and mother are also coming, so it makes it even more special.

“So, I can’t wait and as a team we are ready.”

On what she makes of the team, after training for a week, Mwawi said: “There are a couple of new players that have been drafted in, who are promising and with the blend of experience, there is a good balance.”

Mwawi: We will fight

She said their target is to go for the ultimate prize.

Mwawi said: “Every team that is here wants to win and that is our target. Whether we can achieve it remains to be seen, but we can’t come here and eye fifth or sixth position, we need to have a big heart even though it won’t be easy.

“There’s no easy team here, every team is here to fight and so are we.”

She also urged Malawians to rally behind the team.

“Please, support us, we will fight to make you proud,” said the gangly star.

On the just-ended season in Australia, she said: “It was tough, we finished third, but we could have done better.”

Netball Association of Malawi president Abigail Shariff said Mwawi’s return, coupled with the availability of other foreign-based players, Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda and Joyce Mvula-Nyirenda is a big boost to the team.

“These are world-class players who will make a very big difference,” she said.

Malawi face Scotland tonight in their Group B opener at Cape Town International Convention Centre.—Story powered by Ekhaya Farms Foods Limited.

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