Malawi captain Caroline Mtukule has joined Team Bath Netball as goal-defence and goal-keeper ahead of the new season.
However the Bath University team who play in the national top tier of the sport in the 2023 Netball Super League have suffered opening defeats in the new campaign. In the opening match in Nottingham they lost 52-86 to Loughborough Lightening. On February 17th, they went down by 71-42 at the hands of London Pulse.
“I definitely think there is a lot to take from it and a lot to learn,” said Asha Francis the head coach. “Obviously it is a big score but one of the things we have really been focussing on is not looking at the score too much but what we are committing to as a group.
“I thought we were impeccable in the second quarter, exceptional in what we want this team to look and feel like, but we were like a different team at the start of quarter three and didn’t hit any of the things we had in quarter two, so we will definitely be looking at how we can be more consistent across the board.”
Malawian Caroline Mtukule is the first Malawian to wear the famous Blue & Gold of Team Bath.
“It’s a great pleasure to be joining Team Bath and I am so honoured to have this opportunity,” said Mtukule, who has captained Kukoma Diamonds to several Malawian national titles. “It’s a big challenge but one I’m excited for and I will do my very best to help bring positive results.
“I’ve never played for a club overseas before but it’s something I’ve been looking forward to for many years. I’m ready to learn new skills and test myself in a big league. I know why I am coming and what I want to do.
“I know Team Bath are a big club with a good history. I have played against Kadeen Corbin a lot with England over the years and I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the players.”