Frank Mojah Dzuwa

The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has granted newly hired High-Performance Netball Consultant Debbie Fuller a mandate to select her own backroom staff.

NAM President Vitumbiko Gubuduza disclosed the development during Tuesday’s Wa Ganyu Exclusive programme, explaining that the decision is aimed at strengthening the technical setup and driving the team towards higher international standards.

According to Gubuduza, Fuller will lead the national team and work closely with the technical panel she assembles to achieve set targets. While she has been given full powers to appoint her preferred personnel, there is a possibility that some members of the previous technical panel could be retained following interviews.

“She is the lead for the national team at the moment and she will work hand in hand with the technical panel to get the level we want. She will work hand in hand with the team that she will pick. So, it could be Peace [Chawinga-Kalua] or Mary [Waya], but we have given her power to pick the panel she wants,” said Gubuduza.

Fuller, who will be in the country next week, has been tasked with guiding The Queens to qualify for the upcoming Africa Netball Cup scheduled for September in Kenya, secure a top-seven finish at the Commonwealth Games, and make further progress at the Netball World Cup according to Gubuduza.

“Hopefully at the Netball World Cup, to go a step higher. After that, we will review the contract,” she said.

NAM has offered Fuller, from New Zealand, a two-year contract running until 2027. Beyond immediate competitive goals, she is also expected to mentor and develop local coaches to ensure continuity and sustainability once her tenure concludes.

Gubuduza encouraged the public to trust the association’s decisions, saying that the overarching goal is to transform and grow netball standards in Malawi.