Vixen extends break following birth of first child

The Malawian star announced her pregnancy in February and has been heavily involved in the team environment throughout the 2024 season.

As the club finalises its list for 2025, Kumwenda will not be contracted in the squad of 10 but will remain connected to the team in an off-court capacity. She will also continue her work with Netball Victoria, which sees her forging valuable connections with local multicultural communities.

“As a team we’re really proud watching MJ grow into her new role as a mum, and we recognise the enormity of what she’s gone through in the past few weeks welcoming her first baby,” said head coach Simone McKinnis.

“We’ll keep working with MJ on what her future looks like as she settles into this exciting new stage of her life outside netball – for now she’s focusing on being a mum to little Maximus and we’ll continue supporting her as she takes the time she needs.”

“I’ve loved seeing MJ take on a mentor role with some of our younger players this year, she adds so much to our team environment and to our netball community at grassroots level as well.”

“I am loving this new stage of my life as a parent, it is a new challenge and family is very important to me,” said Kumwenda.

“I am grateful for the club’s support as we settle into our new family life, for now I am excited to keep working with Netball Victoria and the Vixens off the court and we will see what the future brings for me on the court.”

The Vixens will announce their 2025 squad in the coming days.