Simba Ladies win FMB Hockey first-round

Sports Complex Simba Ladies have for the first time since 2012 topped the FMB 11-a-side Hockey League first round following a 1-0 triumph over Scorpions at Hockey Stadium in Blantyre last weekend.

The team’s captain Swilanga Padambo scored the lone goal as Simba rose to the summit of the five-team log table with eight points from four games while defending champions Genetrix Ladies have settled for a distant fourth place with four points.

Nyala have finished second with seven points while Scorpions and Braves have completed the league’s first half on third and fifth slot with six points and three points, respectively.

“This is our first step to winning our first league title,” said Padambo.  “We know it will be a big challenge to achieve this feat, but our determination is stronger than any resistance we will face along the way.”

In the men’s category, Genetrix are on the right track to a third successive title defence as they have won the first-round with 10 points after winning three games and drawing once. Nyala are second with eight points.

Braves and Scorpions, who are expected to meet in their last first-round match this weekend, are third and fourth with three points apiece. Cobbe Sticks anchor the table with just a single point from all their four games.

Currently, Genetrix forward Denoly Mgeni is leading the scorers’ chart in the men’s section with eight points. His teammate Chifundo Jali is second with four goals. In the ladies’ category, Mphatso Piliyesi (Scorpions), Deborah Chigwenembe (Nyala) and Alice Bandawe (Nyala) are tied on two goals each.

According to Southern Region Hockey League fixtures secretary Levi Kumwenda, the second round matches will begin on October 7. n