Revered Australia-based netballer Mwawi Kumwenda yesterday shone brightly when she inspired Melbourne Vixens to a 70-65 victory over Queensland Firebirds in Suncorp Super Netball 2022 season opener.

To spice it up, the Malawi Queens shooter was named the most valuable player (MVP).

Kumwenda: I am feeling so good

In an interview yesterday, the 32-year-old said she was delighted with her performance.

She said: “I am feeling so great with the team to get a win for a season opener. I am also proud of the girls’ performance today. This will give us a good momentum for the next games.”

According to supernaturally.com, Vixens defied an electrifying debut from Donnell Wallam to come out triumphant at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.

Wallan was one of the major contributors to a high-scoring and thrilling game, sinking 43 goals from 48 attempts in her first Australian national league performance.

The Vixens, however, were steadier and cleaner. They absorbed every blow from Wallam and fired back a 25-goal third quarter to quieten the Queensland home crowd.

Kumwenda scored every quarter to finish with 44 goals at 89 percent accuracy.

Melbourne star Liz Watson’s first game back from last year’s injury-forced absence with 38 feeds and 22 goal assists was another reason for the opening-round win.

Vixens coach Simone McKinnis lauded the experience provided by the side’s engine room that included Watson, Kate Moloney and Jo Weston.

Rarely has there been a more anticipated Suncorp Super Netball debut than that of Wallam, the 28-year-old who averaged 43 goals per game last year for the Leeds Rhinos in the UK Superleague.

The problem for the home side was the mountain of penalties conceded (87-69) in defence where Kumwenda and Rahni Samason (15 goals) ran riot.

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