Andrew Mdzumira

Malawi netball star Joyce Mvula has spoken out following her unexpected inclusion in a national squad despite publicly announcing her retirement from competitive netball.

On January 26, Mvula announced her retirement from professional netball after she had posted on her Facebook page that she was pregnant.

“I want to take a break, focus on my family and maybe later come back as a coach,” she was quoted.

On Saturday night Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) released a provisional squad of 44 players selected from across the country including Mvula as the Malawi Queens begin their build-up to the 2027 Commonwealth Games.

Her inclusion surprised people plus Mvula herself and she reacted: “I was surprised to see my name in the squad after I had already announced my retirement.”

“While I appreciate that the coach still believes in me and selected me, I am not considering changing my decision to return to playing.”

The seasoned player, who has represented Malawi national netball team since 2012, appeared visibly disappointed as she described what she believes is a lack of understanding over her decision.

Mvula revealed that she was asked by NAM to formally submit a resignation letter confirming her retirement, a move that has surprised her.

“I am not a salaried player at NAM. I never had a monthly contract. We operated on a pay-as-you-go arrangement when we travelled for assignments, we were paid allowances. That is how it has always been,” she said.

Mvula said she questioned why she is being asked to write a resignation letter, stating that other prominent former players were never subjected to the same process.

“I have never heard that players like Mary Waya or Peace Chawinga had to write resignation letters when they retired,” adding: “The only case I heard was Jane Chimaliro, and even then, it was explained that she had no contract with NAM, so there was no point in submitting a resignation.”

Despite closing the chapter on her playing career, Mvula made it clear that she is not turning her back on the sport entirely.

The experienced shooter disclosed that she now holds a coaching certificate and may, in the future, consider serving the nation from the sidelines rather than on the court.

“I will announce if I decide to represent my country again not as a player, but possibly as a coach,” she concluded.