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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
GEMS’ captain Felisitus Kwangwa is bracing for her second appearance in the Vitality Netball Superleague with her English side Surrey Storm as she is scheduled to leave for the United Kingdom after the Christmas Holidays.
Surrey Storm re-signed Kwangwa for the 2022 season and she was supposed to have joined the team for the pre-season preparations that began in October.
However, the national team had two tournaments in November – the Pent Series and Africa Netball Cup to fulfil after a two-year break from international competitions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. And the Gems captain was part of the team that went to Namibia for the events.
She was expected to join Surrey Storm soon after the Africa Cup but there were some delays and is now expected to leave for the UK after the Christmas Holidays.
Speaking to The Herald on Saturday, Kwangwa said she is going to leave for the UK soon after the Christmas Holidays.
“I am leaving after Christmas… I was supposed to leave on December 1 and then according to the training programme, I was going to have two sessions before the Christmas Holidays.
“So, instead the coach and management said it’s not necessary to be in quarantine and only train twice with the team, so they are letting me celebrate Christmas with my family,” said Kwangwa.
Kwangwa showed her international experience last season with some good performances despite limited game-time.
She picked up the Player of the Match award against Wasps in the final game of the season before she returned home since her contract was running up to the end of the season.
However, her performance from last season seem to have impressed the English side and they roped her in for the 2022 season. The upcoming season begins on the weekend of February 5 – 6 and will end on June 5 with the Grand Final.
Kwangwa is aware of the task ahead taking into account the time she has lost for the pre-season preparations.
“I just expect that I will be able to catch-up with others given that I have lost time of the pre-season, that’s my worry at the moment.
“It’s very unfortunate I won’t be there for the friendly matches, it seems like I am a lost piece… Pre-season started in October and already we are in December.
“I have a training programme that I have been following, strength and conditioning, so that’s what I have been doing,” said Kwangwa.
Speaking after the announcement of her return to Surrey Storm in October, Kwangwa said she was excited to be back at the club.
“I am so excited to be back with Storm which is an opportunity that I always appreciate.
“This season I want to be a Superleague champion.”
Surrey Storm are seeking better fortunes in the upcoming season after they finished the 2021 season on position 10 in the 11-team league.
They managed just three wins from 20 matches, losing the other 17.
Online Reporter