Malawi Queens' accomplished captain Caroline Mtukule has for the first in her illustrious career moved overseas where she has joined the UK Netball Super League side Team Bath for the 2023 season.
Mtukule just led her local side Kukoma Diamonds to reclaim the title of Blantyre and Districts Netball League champions from their rivals First Choice Tigresses.
The goal-defender/goal-keeper becomes the first Malawian player to don the blue and gold of Team Bath Netball after being named as their 12th registered player ahead of the Super League season which throws off this weekend.
“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 told the club's website. “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.”
Team Bath Netball Head Coach Asha Francis told their website: “We are delighted to have Carol on board. Tash has left big shoes to fill, in terms of her quality and stature, and we needed to find a goal-defence who would not only perform on court but also add value to the squad and help our younger players develop. Annie O’Rourke will step into the Team Bath match-day 12 while Caroline Mtukule’s visa is being processed
“Carol ticks all those boxes. She has so much international experience but is incredibly humble and in all of our conversations her focus has been on what she can do for the team. We’re all looking forward to welcoming her to Team Bath.”
Mtukule will link up with her new team-mates once her visa application has been approved.
She has represented Malawi at four Netball World Cups and five Commonwealth Games and has helped the Queens achieve their best-ever rankings of fifth place at both major international tournaments. She was part of the squad that participated in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as is expected to captain Malawi at the forthcoming Netball World Cup in South Africa.
Team Bath is an English netball team based at the University of Bath. The senior team plays in the Netball Super League. In 2005-06, they were both founder members and the inaugural champions of the league. They were Super League champions again in 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10 and 2013, and British Fast5 All-Stars Champions in 2021. The side finished fourth in the 2022 season.
