Zimbabwe netball team captain Felisitus Kwangwa has been named the Coach’s Player of the Season at top English netball side Surrey Storm following another solid season in the Vitality Netball Super League.
The 27-year-old initially joined England’s Vitality Netball Super League side last year and after a slow start to her club career, she showed her class this season after making the goal defence (GD) position her own.
Kwangwa’s consistent performances helped her side to a top-eight finish.
The trailblazing Zimbabwean star was recognised for her performances and good work ethic during the post-season awards this week.
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Surrey Storm coach Mikki Austin was full of praises for Kwangwa, describing her as a dedicated player who is willing to learn to perfect her skills.
“This award represents a player who has shown the most improved play in 2022 and potential to put in some winning performances,” Austin said.
“When the athlete returned from the summer break, it was clear she had put in so much as she was fitter, stronger and more determined than ever to put in some solid minutes on a VNSL court this year and she has reaped the rewards of that.
“This year’s 2022 VNSL Coach’s Player of the Season is awarded to Felistus Kwangwa for her match-winning performances, sheer determination and growth to improve and her ability to take on board the coach’s instructions and put that into practice against some of the world’s best goal attacks,” added Austin in a video posted on Surrey Storm’s official Twitter account.
Kwangwa first caught Austin’s attention during Zimbabwe’s maiden appearance at the Vitality Netball World Cup in Liverpool three years ago where she walked away with three Player of the Match accolades.
She led the competition in deflections and was sixth for intercepts as Zimbabwe were named team of the tournament.
Kwangwa is expected to lead the Gems in the upcoming 2023 Netball World Cup Qualifiers set for South Africa in August.
Coach’s player of the season…
Congratulations to @Felisituskwangw on your award and returning to Storm having a monster year 👏🏼 #stormrises💙 pic.twitter.com/jFLpBk1HRj
— Bartercard Surrey Storm (@SurreyStorm) June 15, 2022