Double Celebration for Kumwenda!

Double Celebration for Kumwenda!

Media Release
2 June 2015

Tears flowed freely at training on Saturday afternoon as Tactix import Mwai Kumwenda got the surprise of her life thanks to the kindness of an anonymous donor.

Kumwenda’s mother Costa ‘popped’ into training after flying halfway around the world from Malawi to watch the Tactix play their final match of the season against the Kia Magic, a thriller in which the Tactix won 62-58.

Costa is the first member of Kumwenda’s family to visit New Zealand, the mother of eight relishing the opportunity to see her daughter play Netball in her newly adopted home of Christchurch.

The proud mum made a surprise visit to Australia a few years back when Kumwenda was playing for the Peninsula Waves Netball Club in Victoria but had not yet seen her play Netball in the ANZ Championship.

“It was amazing to have my Mum there at the game because she can’t watch at home because she lives so far away and doesn't have access to a television,” Kumwenda said.

“It was the first time ever watching me play in a big game with a crowd like that and my Mum is very happy today.”

Mainland Tactix CEO Brigit Hearn says the Tactix and the Mainland Netball family were absolutely delighted to welcome Costa.

“It was a very emotional reunion and exciting for Costa to see her daughter play ANZ Championship netball for the first time and see how much Mwai is adored in the Mainland,” Hearn said.
“It’s a very special thing to be able to experience something of her daughter’s life here and I know she’ll enjoy our Mainland hospitality!”

Kumwenda is a sporting superstar in the small African nation and has actively sought to ‘give back’ to the impoverished country, campaigning last year to collect clothing, toys and household goods to send back.

Kumwenda has been a revelation in the ANZ Championship over the past two seasons, picking up the Best New Talent award in 2014 and impressing audiences with her unorthodox yet effective play in the attacking circle.

Costa Kumwenda will stay in New Zealand until the end of June when she travels back home to Malawi with her daughter. Making the most of the time together, plans are in place to visit Wanaka with Mwai’s host family and experience snow for the first time.

- Ends -

© Scoop Media