Reigning Champions Manchester Thunder have signed Malawian shooter Joyce Mvula and defender Lauren Ngwira in time for the Women’s Superleague 2020 season.

Mvula will return to Thunder for her fourth season where her popularity saw her named the 2019 Fans’ player of the season. Joining her will be Ngwira from the newly-franchised club London Pulse.

Both players were part of the Malawi Queens squad in the summer’s World Cup where they finished in sixth place.

Thunder’s director of netball Karen Grieg said: “Joyce has developed so much in her time at Thunder and securing her shooting skills for the new season is a huge boost as we look to defend our title, especially as I know her performances have been noticed across the netballing world.

“With our legendary defender Kerry Almond retiring, I had a big gap to fill in defence and Lauren was the outstanding candidate. She makes her presence felt on court and will be pivotal to our performances next year.”

Thunder will face Wasps in the opening season clash match in the Vitality Superleague in February at the Arena Birmingham.