Diamonds defend Rainbow Paints netball crown

Kukoma Diamonds on Saturday recovered from a  two-basket deficit in the second quarter to beat rivals First Choice Tigresses 33-27 and defend the Rainbow Paints Blantyre and Districts Netball League.

Diamonds needed just a draw in this decisive clash at the Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC) to make it back-to-back titles on a better basket-difference after the two sides tied on 41 points, but the six-basket victory ensured an easy road to ultimate glory in the 12-team league.

The two giants went into their latest fixture with confidence after coming from a 41-all draw in the first round.

Diamonds coach Noel Mussa said: “It is an amazing experience to defend the title with an unbeaten run in 22 games after registering 21 wins and a single draw. I thank the girls for playing according to instructions in this decider, which was very tough.”

On her part, Tigresses coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa hailed her charges, saying they put up a spirited performance despite missing the services of at least four key players, namely, shooters Sindi Simtowe and Tendai Masamba alongside defenders Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango and Brenda Kapira, due to various reasons, including injuries.

“We played with only at least two key players for the better part of the season and it is an achievement to finish as runners-up with a squad whose average age is 21. We hope to come back stronger next season,” she said.

On Saturday, Diamonds and Tigresses engaged in high-octane decider that kept fans on the edges of their seats right from the first quarter, which ended 7-6 in Diamonds’ favour.

However, Tigresses came out of their blocks with commanding presence in all areas of the court in the second segment, forcing Diamonds into rear-guard action. By half-time, Tigresses led 13-15 with their lofty shooter Eve Kazembe scoring from almost every attempt.

Sensing danger, Diamonds reorganised themselves with three changes in the third stanza and the fluidity of their attacking lines started to show again. The combination of Jessica Mazengera-Sanudi and Grace Chazungulira in the shooting circle appeared more effective as it helped Diamonds to have a 26-20 lead.

From then on, it was a see-saw affair up to the final whistle as Diamonds maintained the six-basket lead.

In individual awards, Tigresses’ Kazembe emerged as the top-scorer with 858 baskets while Linda Arnold of Blantyre Tremors was named the most valuable player.

Mubas Sisters’ Ulemu Masamba claimed the most improved defender award  while Marietta Harrison took the most improved mid-court player accolade. Imosys coach/player Joana Kachilika was the best coach whereas Joyce Chanza was the best umpire.

Rainbow Paints Limited’s technical sales and marketing executive Wezi Chirwa, whose company injected K12 million into the league, assured the league of continued sponsorship.

Guest of honour Lorraine Mlenga, who is Nico Holdings’ group head of marketing and customer experience, said netball has a great potential to change the life of a girl-child in the country but needs the corporate world to join forces in support.

The league’s chairperson Vitu Gubuduza thanked the teams for making the league very competitive and thanked Rainbow Paints for continued support.