Star shooter Mwai Kumwenda returns to the Malawi Queens squad for the first time since the 2023 Netball World Cup in South Africa, having been named in coach Deborah Fuller’s final squad for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in Scotland later this month.

Kumwenda announced her retirement from the Queens soon after the global tournament in Cape Town.

However, Fuller has convinced her to come out of retirement and help with the Queens’ rebuilding process.

Other notable senior players returning to the squad include Martha Dambo, Takondwa Lwazi and Tendai Masamba.

Fuller’s squad, which blends youth and experience, has given maiden Commonwealth Games call-ups to Under-21 graduates Mphatso Bamda, Sophie Banda, Florence Jeke, Shabel Bengo, Stella Matelezi, Melia Soko and Aisha Gama.

The Queens are expected to leave the country for England on Tuesday via Bakili Muluzi International Airport in Blantyre.

While in England, they will play friendly matches against the hosts and New Zealand on their way to Glasgow, Scotland, for the Commonwealth Games.

The Malawi Queens face a daunting task as they look to advance from the highly competitive Pool A at the Commonwealth Games.

Ranked eighth in the world, Malawi will begin their campaign on 25 July 2026 against fifth-ranked South Africa, before taking on twelfth-ranked Northern Ireland the following day and fourth-ranked England on 27 July.

They will then play top-ranked Australia on 28 July and will conclude the group fixtures with a match against ninth-ranked Tonga on 30 July.

Fuller will be aiming to make her first competitive appearance in charge of the Malawi Queens in impressive fashion, having been appointed in February this year.