Manchester Thunder has revealed that Loreen Ngwira has agreed to re-sign to Thunder for the upcoming season.
The powerful defender signed with the reigning champion’s team in 2019, ahead of the 2020 campaign. Ngwira started all four of Thunder’s games before the Covid pandemic hit and the league was cancelled. Now the 27-year old is excited to start where she left off with high hopes of success.
Having impressed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games for the Malawi Queens finishing seventh, Ngwira was picked up by Team Northumbria where she made her Superleague debut. Subsequently, London Pulse acquired her services for the 2019 season once again linking up with Australian Ash Neal.
With the retirement of club legend goal keeper Kerry Almond, Thunder were in the market for a dominant defender to partner captain Emma Dovey. Head Coach Karen Greig and Managing Director Debbie Hallas, responsible for player recruitment, identified Ngwira and after watching her at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool ensured she digned on the dotted line.
Ngwira joined up with her fellow Malawi Queen and Thunder stalwart shooter Joyce Mvula in Manchester forming formidable book ends for the black and yellows.
Ngwira has clearly shown that she is ecstatic to return to netball, stating: “I am excited to sign for Manchester Thunder for another season, I started a new chapter in my netball career and was disappointed not to be able to finish the season and play more in front of the amazing Thunder fans.”
In addition, the talented defender is said to be notorious for both her footwork and physicality on the court. Ngwira’s defensive pressure has been noticed to constantly force turnovers which plays a pivotal role in the game.
“I can’t wait to be back and be a part of this team. Thunder is bigger than just the team, it is a fantastic club and they have made me feel so welcome. I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to support us in purchasing a membership for the new season.”
“Whatever the season looks like, with or without fans, we will do our best to represent you all in the best way we can.”
Manchester Thunder Head Coach and Director of Netball Karen said about Ngwira: “To have Loreen back is key for us, there are not many goal keepers out there that are ready to go at Superleague level at the moment and seeing the improvements she was making in just 4 games for us last season it excites me what more she has to give us. Playing alongside captain Emma Dovey and Rebekah Airey it sures up our defensive end that will be a threat to any attacking line up.”
Manchester Thunder had won all of their four matches in the 2020 season before it was cut short by COVID-19 so they will be eagerly looking to carry forward their undefeated record into the next season and replicate their Superleague success.
