Towera Vinkhumbo, the celebrated Malawi international netballer, has taken on an exciting new role as the coach of Malawi’s U19 netball team. Towera, a prominent defender known for her remarkable skills on the court, achieved her coaching qualification while playing for the Strathclyde Sirens in the Netball Super League.
Her journey to becoming a qualified coach was made possible through her membership with the Netball Players Association (NPA). The coaching course, a collaborative effort between England Netball and the NPA, provided Towera with the expertise and confidence to transition into coaching. The sportscotland Institute of Sport further supported her aspirations through a Personal Development Award which part-funded her participation in the program, showcasing the importance of investing in athletes' dual-career opportunities.
“We are incredibly proud of Towera and her achievement,” said Sarah Gandon, Director of Player Services at the NPA. “Her appointment as the Malawi U19s coach is a testament to her dedication to the sport, both as a player and now as a mentor to the next generation. This also highlights how valuable it is for players to gain qualifications while they are still playing.”
Towera’s story demonstrates the importance of supporting athletes to prepare for life beyond their playing careers. With her vast international experience and deep understanding of the game, Towera is set to inspire and develop young talent in Malawi, building a strong foundation for the country’s netball future.
Speaking about her new role, Towera expressed her gratitude: “This is a dream come true. I’m excited to give back to the sport that has given me so much. Coaching the U19s is a huge honour, and I hope to pass on my experience and passion to the next generation of Malawian players.”
Towera will also be playing for the Malawi Queens in the upcoming Nations Cup matches in Nottingham and London in February. Tickets are still available for these games and can be purchased via England Netball here.
The course gave Towera an opportunity that is not easy to achieve in her home country of Malawi. There are very few Level 2 coaches in the country, so being able to take her experience back shows the impact that this course can have on the world game. Towera’s appointment serves as an inspiring example for athletes around the world, showing that with the right support, balancing playing and personal development is achievable.
The future is bright for Malawian netball, and under Towera’s guidance, the U19s are poised for success on the international stage.
The NPA will be announcing their next Elite Players Level 2 Coaching Course in the coming days.
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