![Annie Hanjahanja:Crucial final game.Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Fireworks are expected to explode at Blantyre Youth Centre in Blantyre in the Rainbow Paints 25th Anniversary Southern Region Netball League, as it wraps up with a Blantyre derby involving Complex Tigresses and Kukoma Diamonds.
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![Annie Hanjahanja:Crucial final game.Photo Jeromy Kadewere]()
Annie Hanjahanja:Crucial final game.Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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![Tigresses posing for Nyasa Times....Photo Jeromy Kadewere.]()
Tigresses posing for Nyasa Times....Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
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![Kukoma Diamonds]()
Kukoma Diamonds[/caption]
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![Lauren Ngwira on injury list to miss the final game]()
Lauren Ngwira on injury list to miss the final game[/caption]
The league is for Tigresses to lose, as they are basking comfortably on the summit table with 48 points while Diamonds are coming second with 45 points.
Southern Region Netball League general secretary, Annie Hanjahanja told
Nyasa Times that all is set for the final day of the 2015-2016 Rainbow Paints Netball League.
She said as it stands, if Tigresses will win come Saturday they will be crowned champions, while for Diamonds to become Queens of the Southern Region they need to clip Tigresses with 40 baskets to nothing.
Currently, Tigresses has notched in 1393 baskets against 1303 of Diamonds.
However, Hanjahanja has urged all netball lovers in the city of Blantyre and the surrounding areas to converge at BYC and watch Malawi’s cream in netball.
“Anything can happen in a game of netball, especially when the game involves Tigresses and Diamonds. We are asking people to come in their large numbers and witness this Blantyre derby,” said Hanjahanja.
She also said they will be a number of activities to take place before the crunch encounter. For instance, she said from 9:30 there will be a game involving Chilomoni Sisters against Shizaella Queens before Airwing Sisters takes on Prison Sisters at 11:00.
Then it will be third place Thunder Queens to play Alliance Capital Sisters at 1:00 pm.
Coaches talk
Tigresses coach Peace Kaluwa said they are set to clinch the league.
“We are very thankful to Almighty God for unbeaten record in 16 games which we have played so far. I must also salute my players because they always work hard during training and games,” said Kaluwa.
Kaluwa has enough Tigresses to destroy Diamonds come Saturday in the likes of Sindi ‘Sniper’ Simutowe , Ellen Chibokho, Grace Mhango and versatile centre Beatrice Mpinganjira.
“The morale in camp is high, and we are just waiting for the big day,” said Kaluwa, who will be missing the services of towering defender Lauren ‘China’ Ngwira, who is nursing an injury.
Kukoma Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda has fired a warning shot to Tigresses that they will be surprised and shocked.
“We know that our friends have already made conclusions that they are champions. My only message to them is that they should wait for Saturday then you will be shocked when we will be grabbing that title from their hands,” said Saenda.
Saenda said everybody in their camp is more determined for the game.
“We will make sure that come Saturday we inflict pain to them and their fans. I have told my players to focus on the game rather than the log table,” he said.
Saenda, popularly known as ‘Zagalo’ will bank his hopes on Jessica ‘Agogo’ Sanudi, fantastic captain Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Ngwira, Towera ‘Tobe’ Vinkhumbo and Beatrice Kumwenda to stop Tigresses.
Sponsors impressed
The Company’s Sales and Marketing manager Bruno Silas said so far they are impressed with the League and assured netball fans to come and watch the final game because they have a surprise package to them.
“We are asking fans to come and witness the final game because so far we are impressed with the discipline and performance from the teams. We know that we will watch an entertaining final between the two county’s giants,” said Silas.
Silas said, as sponsors they have lined-up a number of activities on Saturday, and conclude by urging people to come and see for themselves.
Prizes
Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League, which was launched on April 28 at their Limbe Head Offices in Blantyre, will see this year’s champion going home with K600, 000, while the second position team will carter home K300, 000.
The third team will go home with K200, 000, as the fourth side will receive K150, 000.
All in all, all roads will lead to Blantyre Youth Centre on Saturday to see who will paint Blantyre City with Rainbow Paints, as Kukoma Diamonds and Complex Tigresses rock horns in the Rainbow Paints 25th Anniversary Southern Region Netball League.
Tigresses celebration[/caption]
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Tigresses posing for Nyasa Times....Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
The championship started on Thursday at Katoto Secondary School.
Other teams that competed were MTL Queens, Capital Alliance Sisters, Zomba Airwing Sisters, Blue Eagles Sisters, Civonets, Mafco Soldiers, Green Sisters, Karonga Queens, Mimosa Queens and Lameck Queens.
Tigresses narrowly edged Diamonds in a physical game that ended in 37-36 baskets.
Diamonds made it clear from the kick-off that Tigresses would not easily get the trophy as they dominated the proceedings of the match in the first quarter with the likes of Sarudzai Gondwe, Towera Vinkhumbo, Bridget Kumwenda and Caroline Mtukule leading the battle.
However, it was Sindi ‘Sniper’ Simutowe who gave Diamonds defense a tough ride as she defied Vinkhumbo’s imposing height and avoided a physical game to lead the Kanjedza girls to victory.
Simutowe also gave Carol Mtukule a restless game as she showed agility and she benefitted from many fouls the Diamonds defenders committed.
In a telephone interview with Nyasa Times from Mzuzu, Tigresses coach Peace Kalua, who was jovial hailed God for their victory.
“We have won by the grace of God and l thank him. Iam also satisfied as the coach that our effort and hard work have paid off,” said Kalua.
She also praised her charges saying despite playing in the title decider that was charged, they were disciplined.
Her counterpart Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda described the game as competitive but praised his players for fighting until the last whistle.
“They were just lucky to win this game, otherwise only a basket separating us it is not bad on our part,” he said.
Tigresses received K4 million for being crowned Champions while Diamonds cartered home K2 million.
En route to the final, Tigresses defeated Blue Eagles while Diamonds saw Civonets off.
Tigresses had to be rescued by President Peter Mutharika’s personal assistant Ben Phiri who gave them K250 000 ($500for them to travel to Mzuzu for the championship.
Phiri said Tigresses approached him as their fan and he decided to support them in his personal capacity.
Tigresses, who were once sponsored by former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika, won every domestic competition in 2014, including the GOtv Championship and the Rainbow Paints Netball Series.
MTL Queens players ready for the battle....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
MTL Queens, which donated points to three teams after failing to honour their fixtures recently, will play Diamonds on Saturday before another tricky fixture 24 hours later against team of the moment Tigresses.
The team struggled in the just ended Presidential Cup in Mzuzu as it failed to finish in top four.
Coach Mary Waya is aware that the weekend fixtures against two Blantyre giants will not be easy but she has players capable to upset the tables.
For instance, Joana Kachilika, Martha Dambo and Thandi Mwale can rise to the occassion when the chips are down.
Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda said they are taking Saturday’s game against MTL Queens seriously in their quest to clinch the League.
Saenda said after missing the Presidential Cup they will not allow to see the League off to their opponent.
He relies on Caroline Mtukule, Towera Vinkhumbo and Bridget Kumwenda to steer the team to victory.
Southern Region netball League general secretary Annie Hanjahanja urged Blantyre residents to converge BYC in their large numbers to witness the games.
Hanjahanja said games will be played from Saturday to Sunday and that they are expecting stiff competition.
Fixtures
Saturday 17 January, 2015: Gold sisters vs MTL 9.30am, Tigresses vs Chilomoni 11am, Diamonds vs Gerald Tasaukadala 12.30pm, Tigresses va Shizaella 2pm, Diamonds vs MTL Queens 3.30pm @ BYC
Sunday 18 January, 2015 :Gold sisters vs Tigresses 12.30pm, Diamonds vs Chilomoni 2pm, MTL queens vs Tigresses 3.30pm@ BYC
Towera trying to shield Sherat from scoring....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Joana Kachilika on her a good angle to win the ball.....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Coach Mary Waya doing some pep talk.....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Martha Dambo posses the ball as Carol Mtukule tries to block her.....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
Shinning bright at the court with great performance, Diamonds pruned their Blantyre rivals MTL Queens 41-22 baskets after they also managed to demolish Gerald Tasaukadala 111-4 baskets in their early kick-off.
In a bright afternoon at Blantyre Youth Centre, Diamonds were unstoppable against MTL Queens with the likes of Towera Vinkhumbo and Caroline Mtukule commanding their defence brilliantly.
Vinkhumbo and Mtukule mounted a strong fence that was too hard for MTL Queens shooter Sherrati to break through.
In the absence of Bridget Kumwenda, who is Diamonds engine room, coach Griffin Saenda banked his hopes on Enelles Mdezo to supply aerial passes to Jessica Sanudi.
Another player who was missing for Diamonds was Sarudzai Gondwe.
However, MTL Queens they coordinated well from defence to centre only to be disappointed with their shooters, who lacked confidence.
Fantastic captain Joana Kachilika and Martha Dambo were a marvel to watch with her experience as they stood firmly against Diamonds.
In another encounter, inform Compelex Tigresses were unstoppable in their two encounters against Chilomoni and Shizaela.
The Presidential Cup Champions beat Chilomoni by 108-6 baskets in their first game before hammering Shizaela 80-14 baskets.
Results in the OG Issa Southern Region Netball League
Gold Sisters 19 vs MTL Queens 58.
Tigresses 108 vs Chilomoni 6
Diamonds 111 vs Gerald Tasaukadala 4.
Tigresses 80 vs Shizaela 14.
Diamonds 41 vs MTL Queens 22.
Diamonds are looking forward to ending a nagging title-drought with at least the OG Issa trophy.[/caption]
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Tigresses hope to conclude the 2014 season by sweeping all available trophies into their mantelpiece after winning Airtel Money Championships, Rainbow Paints Netball Series, GOtv Netball Champions League and the Presidential Championships....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
The battle between the two Blantyre based out-fits has already been preceded by fierce rivalry as both teams claim to be better that the other.
The hatred between the two sides took a new twist this year when power was shifted from Diamonds to the Kanjedza ladies after they scooped all the cups last year.
Saturdays encounter will be an interesting one because both sides have a chance to be crowned as champions as the two sides are tied on 61 points from 21 games, but Tigresses, who have a better goal differerence, top the 12-team log-table. The winner of the tie will be crowned champions.
Tigress’s coach Peace Chawinga Kalua is upbeat they will be champions.
“We want to show our superiority over them. Our preparations are going on well so far and we are happy to welcome back Sindi and Beatrice, who missed our last game due to injuries,” said Kalua.
Tigresses will be missing the services of their star-shooter Sindi Simtowe and centre Beatrice Mpinganjira, who are recuperating from knee and Achilles injuries
Kalua will bank her hopes on Ellen Chibokho, Grace Mhango, Lauren Ngwira to add strength to the side in their pursuit to defend their title.
However, Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda has vowed to silence Tigresses by grabbing the trophy in their hands.
“We have a mission to accomplish and l can assure all Diamonds fans to come in their large numbers because come Saturday we will silence Tiga. We have the whole squad and no injuries so far,” said Saenda.
Saenda has enough players to invade Tigresses engine room in the likes of Towera Vinkhumbo, Caroline Ngwira, Bridget Kumwenda, Enelesi Mdezo and Jessica Sanudi.
Southern Region Netball League general secretary Annie Hanjahanja said the finals ceremony will start in the morning around 11:00 with Alliance Capital Stars versus Airwing Sisters game.
Hanjahanja said the invited guests will be seated at 1:30pm before the actual final game involving the two Blantyre giants at 2:00pm.
She has urged all netball lovers in Blantyre city to converge BYC in their large numbers because the game will be entertaining.
“If you want to see the cream of Malawi netball, then l can bet with you that come at BYC on Saturday and you will not regret,” said Hanjahanja.
Playing in the finals[/caption]
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Dissapointed Laurene Ngwira of Tigresses.-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Dejected Tiga officials watching the match as they lose.-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Tadala collecting the prize for her club-Photo by Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Champions Diamonds: -Photo by Jeromy Kadewere, Nyasa Times[/caption]
Diamonds were given K600, 000 for being.crowned champions while Tigresses went home with K300, 000 for scooping the second position.
From the word go, Diamonds showed their tenacity to grab the title as they kept attacking their opponents through their playmaker Jessica ‘Agogo’ Sanudi.
Sanudi netted most of the baskets for her side at ease.
In the first quarter, it was Tigresses leading with 10-8 baskets before the two teams tied 17-17 baskets in the second quarter.
In the third quarter, somehow Tigresses lost their rhythm in which Diamonds led by their shooter Sanudi turned on the heat to increase the baskets to 25-23 in the third quarter.
However, Tigresses failed to contain Diamonds pressure with Bridget Kumwenda controlling the centre by no giving Tigresses any chance.
Diamonds assistant coach Noel Mussa said he was “very excited” to snatch the league title from Tigresses.
Tigresses mentor Peace Kalua blamed the loss on poor timing on his players especially in the first and second quarter.
Southern Region Netball League Chairman Khungekile Matiya commended the sponsors, OG Issa Group of Companies for their support in the development of netball in the Southern Region.
In his speech, Francis Mponela, who is Deputy General Manager for OG Isaa said they were satisfied with the way the League was handled but was mum to comment on whether they will continue bankrolling the league.
Netball spectators who watched the fracas....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
The incident happened on October 18, 2014 during a match against Complex Tigresses when some Diamonds players allegedly manhandled Chinyama, accusing her of meddling with the time which led to their lose.
Some players for Diamonds also exchanged bitter words with Nam officials and umpires.
Diamonds were ummoned to a hearing, which was set up by NAM.
The disciplinary committee summoned Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda, team doctor a Mrs Chilemba, skipper Carol Mtukule-Ngwira and other senior players for a hearing.
The committee’s chairperson was Daud Ntanthiko.
However, in a verdict which Nyasa Times has seen it, Diamonds has been cleared while Chinyama who was beaten is the one who has been slappedwith a ban and fine.
Nam states that without any video footage, Chinyama has no proof that she was beaten, but surprisingly they have banned Diamonds shooter Grace Chazungulira for being also in forefront during the fracas and fined her despite no any footage.
Chazungulira has been baned three months with K20,000 fine.
Annie Hanjahanja:Crucial final game.Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Lauren Ngwira on injury list to miss the final game[/caption]
The league is for Tigresses to lose, as they are basking comfortably on the summit table with 48 points while Diamonds are coming second with 45 points.
Southern Region Netball League general secretary, Annie Hanjahanja told Nyasa Times that all is set for the final day of the 2015-2016 Rainbow Paints Netball League.
She said as it stands, if Tigresses will win come Saturday they will be crowned champions, while for Diamonds to become Queens of the Southern Region they need to clip Tigresses with 40 baskets to nothing.
Currently, Tigresses has notched in 1393 baskets against 1303 of Diamonds.
However, Hanjahanja has urged all netball lovers in the city of Blantyre and the surrounding areas to converge at BYC and watch Malawi’s cream in netball.
“Anything can happen in a game of netball, especially when the game involves Tigresses and Diamonds. We are asking people to come in their large numbers and witness this Blantyre derby,” said Hanjahanja.
She also said they will be a number of activities to take place before the crunch encounter. For instance, she said from 9:30 there will be a game involving Chilomoni Sisters against Shizaella Queens before Airwing Sisters takes on Prison Sisters at 11:00.
Then it will be third place Thunder Queens to play Alliance Capital Sisters at 1:00 pm.
Coaches talk
Tigresses coach Peace Kaluwa said they are set to clinch the league.
“We are very thankful to Almighty God for unbeaten record in 16 games which we have played so far. I must also salute my players because they always work hard during training and games,” said Kaluwa.
Kaluwa has enough Tigresses to destroy Diamonds come Saturday in the likes of Sindi ‘Sniper’ Simutowe , Ellen Chibokho, Grace Mhango and versatile centre Beatrice Mpinganjira.
“The morale in camp is high, and we are just waiting for the big day,” said Kaluwa, who will be missing the services of towering defender Lauren ‘China’ Ngwira, who is nursing an injury.
Kukoma Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda has fired a warning shot to Tigresses that they will be surprised and shocked.
“We know that our friends have already made conclusions that they are champions. My only message to them is that they should wait for Saturday then you will be shocked when we will be grabbing that title from their hands,” said Saenda.
Saenda said everybody in their camp is more determined for the game.
“We will make sure that come Saturday we inflict pain to them and their fans. I have told my players to focus on the game rather than the log table,” he said.
Saenda, popularly known as ‘Zagalo’ will bank his hopes on Jessica ‘Agogo’ Sanudi, fantastic captain Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Ngwira, Towera ‘Tobe’ Vinkhumbo and Beatrice Kumwenda to stop Tigresses.
Sponsors impressed
The Company’s Sales and Marketing manager Bruno Silas said so far they are impressed with the League and assured netball fans to come and watch the final game because they have a surprise package to them.
“We are asking fans to come and witness the final game because so far we are impressed with the discipline and performance from the teams. We know that we will watch an entertaining final between the two county’s giants,” said Silas.
Silas said, as sponsors they have lined-up a number of activities on Saturday, and conclude by urging people to come and see for themselves.
Prizes
Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League, which was launched on April 28 at their Limbe Head Offices in Blantyre, will see this year’s champion going home with K600, 000, while the second position team will carter home K300, 000.
The third team will go home with K200, 000, as the fourth side will receive K150, 000.
All in all, all roads will lead to Blantyre Youth Centre on Saturday to see who will paint Blantyre City with Rainbow Paints, as Kukoma Diamonds and Complex Tigresses rock horns in the Rainbow Paints 25th Anniversary Southern Region Netball League.
Kukoma Diamonds captain handing over the trophy to the sponsors.....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Kukoma Diamonds players before handing over the trophy...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Here is the trophy our sponsors....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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An employee at Kukoma holds the trophy ....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Captain Caroline Ngwira holds the trophy before handing it over ....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
Diamonds clipped Blue Eagles Sisters 38-28 baskets to be crowned 2015/16 Champions.
The company’s sales and marketing manager Felex Cheza made the pledge in Blantyre on Wednesday when the company hosted the team at its Chirimba offices.
The team led by chairman Isaac Chimwala , coach Griffin Saenda, former star Mwawi Kumwenda and other players went to present the trophy to their sponsors.
Bvalani said as Kukoma, which is one of their products they are always proud to be associated with winners and when Diamonds approached them for sponsorship they wanted to help winners.
“We are very happy that they won and we’re proud that our help didn’t go in vain.We would like to engage more in teams that are doing well because that’s our way of giving back to the community, they are our customers and we shall continue giving back to them,” Cheza said.
Cheza added that they will be bankrolling money to Diamonds so that they win more trophies.
The company’s logistic manager Evans Wingolo hailed the girls for ousting Complex Tigress on their road to the finals stating it is his rival team since his childhood.
“The moment you ousted Tigresses before meeting Blue Eagles l was very excited because those are our rivals. Since my childhood l have been feeling on cloud nine once Tigresses lost,” he said.
He also assured them of Kukoma’s total support if they will continue with the winning streak.
In his speech, Diamonds chairman Isaac Chimwala, said Kukoma’s assistance was not only a morale boost to the team but came in when they had nowhere to run.
“Our victory can be attributed to Kukoma’s sponsorship because they came in when we were in dire need of help. We owe it to them and we’re proud that we won that’s why we had to come and say ‘thank you’. We assured them with more trophies,” said Chimwala.
The teams captain Caroline Ngwira appealed for more support from Kukoma. For instance, she asked the company to help some of the players with accommodation since they rent a hostel.
Enelesi Mdezo jumps high in the air with the ball...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Battling for the ball in the finals..Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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We are the champions...Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
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Thunder Queens players showing off their awards...Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
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James Chuma handing over the trophy Carol Mtukule...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Dancing after their victory...Photo Jeromy Kadewere.[/caption]
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Takondwa Lwazi for Blue Eagles in blue dacning with Civonet player after an individual... al award....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Fans jiving for Diamonds...Photo Jeromy Kadewer[/caption]
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Florence with Laurene talking about the game..Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Sarudzai Gondwe watching the game...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
After a tight opening few minutes, it was Diamonds that got the crucial break through some brilliant defensive work from Captain Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Mtukule.
By the halfway mark of the first quarter, Tigresses had opened up a 3-0 lead, prompting an early-time-out from Diamonds to regroup before this quarter ended in 8-8.
Powerful shooter Alinafe gave Diamonds plenty of drive into attack as they extended their lead to 4 goals in the second quarter before it ended 22-18 in favour of Diamonds.
As they have done in their previous meetings, Diamonds locked Tigresses shooter Sindi ‘Sniper’ Simutowe through Caroline Mtukule and Towera Vinkhumbo who tamed her well.
The Diamonds were again spearheaded by an impressive shooting performance from Goal Shooter Alinafe , who partnered well with Jessica Sanudi.
Tigresses also missed a number of scoring opportunities in the third and last quarter through Simutowe and Ellen Chibokho.
Diamonds coach Peace Kaluwa could be seen on the touchline demanding more intensity and a greater defensive effort from her defender Grace Mhango and Lauren Ngwira, who displayed fantastic netball with interceptions.
Ngwira proved why she is one of the best goal keepers in the country by intercepting and deflecting, causing held balls and generally getting in the head of her opponent.
However, in the last quarter, fuel most of Tigresses players looked tired and their body language showed they had given up.
After the last whistle, Diamonds captain Caroline Mtukule hailed her friends for their fighting spirit.
“It’s been years with this particular playing group … building towards this moment,” Mtukule said. “To finish like that, in front of our home crowd, to have family here, and to play with that particular group of girls – to play with Towera – to me, it’s wonderful to be able to step into the defensive circle with such an awesome athlete.”
“We’re pleased we won the last three quarters, but it was a tough game but you’ve got to give props to them, they did really well.
“Our attackers today were sensational,” said Mtukule. “They capitalised on every little tip and touch that we got. That first quarter set us up nicely.”
“The supply to the circle was amazing. The girls were bringing the ball down really quick and Towera was doing a great job of keeping the goal defence busy, which put me in a one-on-one situation, which is perfect,” said Mtukule.
Tigresses goal keeper Lauren Ngwira said they got a little bit complacent, and conceded that Diamonds defence was pretty tough to break.
“Our friends were tough in defence and we also failed to utilize 60 percent of our scoring chances,” said Ngwira.
For being crowned champions, Diamonds went home with K4 million, while Tigresses received K2 million.
Thunder Queens came third after beating Civonets in a thrilling encounter.
In individual awards, the best goal shooter went to Alinafe of Diamonds, while Joana Kachilika of Thunder Queens got the best defender award.
Thandiwe Galeta of Thunder Queens also got the best centre award.
Frank Kandu from MBC got the best media award.