Super Netball 2023: Vixens star shooter Mwai Kumwenda announces pregnancy

Vixens star Mwai Kumwenda is out for the 2024 Super Netball season after announcing the exciting news she is pregnant. And it opens up a roster spot for a talented shooter.

Erin Smith

@_Erin_Smith

less than 2 min read

February 9, 2024 - 11:06AM

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 22: Mwai Kumwenda of the Vixens shoots during the round six Super Netball match between NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens at Ken Rosewall Arena, on April 22, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

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The Melbourne Vixens are on the hunt for a new shooter with Mwai Kumwenda announcing she is pregnant.

Kumwenda, who represented Malawi at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, will be a big loss for the Vixens.

The 34-year-old is deadly in the shooting circle – accumulating the third highest number of offensive rebounds last season. She scored 585 goals, finishing the season with 89 per cent shooting accuracy.

Vixens shooter Mwai Kumwenda competes for the ball with Kadie-Ann Dehaney of the Lightning. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

While Kumwenda won’t be on the court for the 2024 season the star will still be involved in the club in an off-court capacity.

Coach Simone McKinnis said it was exciting news.

“The entire Vixens family is thrilled for MJ and Wanangwa, and we can’t wait to welcome their little one into the fold when the time comes,” McKinnis said.

“As a club and as a team we’re behind her completely, and we’ll continue supporting MJ throughout her pregnancy.”

“MJ will remain a valuable part of our team throughout season 2024. We look forward to watching on and celebrating as her family grows this year, and welcoming her back when the time is right.”

Kumwenda said she was looking forward to growing her family.

“Family is the most important thing for us, and I am grateful to all of my teammates and coaches for all of their love. We cannot wait to cheer on the Vixens this season,” she said.

A club spokeswoman said they were currently working through the replacement player process and would make an announcement in due course.

Kumwenda isn’t the only player missing the 2024 season due to pregnancy with Firebirds shooter Gretel Bueta taking the season off after the birth of her second child last year.