By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, November 18, Mana: The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has terminated the contracts of its technical team coaches, stating that the decision was made to ensure that the national teams are prepared to achieve optimal fitness and performance levels.

NAM General Secretary, Yamikani Kauma, disclosed this on Monday through a press statement.

He stated that NAM has terminated coaching contract for Joana Kachilika and Eleanour Mapulanga as Coach and Vice Coach of the Malawi Queens, with one month notice effective 19th November, 2024.

“This termination comes as NAM wants to make sure that national teams are performing well in all international tournaments,” said Kauma.

Kauma further said that NAM has appointed Peace Chawinga and Mary Waya as Co-Head Coaches for the senior National Netball teams effective November  19, 2024.

“NAM believes that being the highest qualified coaches in Malawi, their experience in coaching and development of players, and having performed as players, the two are best suited to steer the senior National Queens and oversee the development of the Under 21 and Under 19 teams, as we Rebuild the Team,” he explained.

He said Joana kachilika has been re-appointed  as Head Coach for Under 21 National Team until September  30, 2025 on conclusion of the Netball Youth World Cup.

Meanwhile, NAM has also terminated the contract for Christina Mkwanda who has been coach for under 21 and she has been re-appointed as vice coach for Under 21 National Team effective November 19, 2024 until September 30,2025.

The statement further confirms that NAM has also terminated the contract for Triza Chipolopolo who has been Vice Coach for Under 18 National Team.

In his remarks, a Sports analyst Edwin Mbewe has described the newly appointed National coaches as fruitful saying they are people with experiences as they have previously coached and played for the national team.

“The performance of the national team recently has dropped on the international scene so coming in of Peace Chawinga and Mary Waya will bring significant change to the Malawi Queens,” said Mbewe.

The Malawi Netball team is currently on position six on the world netball ranking.