Kukoma Diamonds yesterday defended the Rainbow Paints Blantyre and Districts Netball League title with a perfect record after beating rivals First Choice Tigresses 33-24 at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC).
They completed their campaign with 44 points from 22 wins with runners-up Tigresses at 38 points.
Zomba-based Prison Queens finished third with 36 points after beating fourth-placed Giants Netball Club 53-48 in the third-place decider. Prior to the match, both teams tied on 34 points.
For their success, champions Diamonds received a trophy and K3.5 million while runners-up Tigresses and third-positioned Prison got K2 million and K1 million, respectively.
Yesterday, the Diamonds and Tigresses clash appeared a very close encounter as the former narrowly led 8-6 in the first quarter.
However, the game started to show its direction from the second quarter where Diamonds extended the lead to 18-12 before taking the tally to 24-17 by the end of the third segment. The battle concluded with Diamonds winning by nine baskets.
Diamonds coach Noel Mussa, who was also named the best coach of the league, said it was a wonderful experience to win the title without losing for the first time since 2017.
“We are delighted to have lived our dream of winning the league with straight wins. This is a testimony of our hard-work and determination,” he said.
Tigresses captain Beauty Basiyawo congratulated Diamonds for their success but warned them to expect a tougher title challenge next season.
In individual awards, Diamonds wing attacker Florence Gamuka was named the Most Valuable Player while Tigresses shooter Tendai Masamba was the top scorer.
The Best Defender Accolade went to Pacers’ Ulemu Masamba as Paliche Mzumara of Shizaella Queens emerged the Best Centre. Tapiwa Namalomba was the best bench official whereas Linda Chaponda was the best umpire.
Rainbow Paints marketing executive Fatuma Omar said they were impressed with how the league was organised, saying they will come back with another sponsorship next season.
BDNL hairperson Nthombizana Thindwa said they were grateful to Rainbow Paints for unwavering support.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) vice-president Lumbani Ntonyo said they are happy that the league continues to be the major feeder of players into the national netball team. n
