Tigresses, Diamonds in OG Issa decider
The OG Issa Southern Region Netball League (SRNL) concludes this Saturday with defending champions Complex Tigresses and Diamonds facing off in a decider at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC).
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. This means the winner of this weekend’s encounter will take the crown.
However, glory will go to Tigresses if the game ends in a draw.
While 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, Diamonds are looking forward to ending a nagging title-drought with at least the OG Issa trophy.
The two sides have met seven times in various competitions this season with Tigresses winning six times. The two giants settled for a 29-29 draw during their OG Issa League’s first-round encounter in November 2014.
“Tigresses have 61 points. Diamonds have 61 points. Who is going to carry the day and become the 2014 champions? Come one, come all!” bellowed SRNL general secretary Annie Hanjahanja-Billie on the Facebook page Malawi Netball Lovers.
Despite the possibility of Tigresses missing the services of their star-shooter Sindi Simtowe and centre Beatrice Mpinganjira, who are recuperating from knee and Achilles injuries, respectively, the team’s coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua said they would still win the match.
“We are waiting for our physician to declare whether Sindi and Beatrice will be fit enough for the match. Nevertheless, whether they will be available or not, our eyes are set on the trophy,” said Chawinga-Kalua about the match that will be preceded by a tussle between fourth-placed Alliance Capital and fifth-placed Airwing Sisters.
On the other hand, Diamonds assistant coach Noel Mussa said yesterday that the absence of their shooter Sarudzai Gondwe, who is currently in South Africa, will not give them much headache going into the Saturday game as they have confidence in Jessica Mazengera-Sanudi and Grace Chazungulira on their attacking line.
