Thunder vow to dent Diamonds’ unbeaten run

Thunder Queens have vowed to end Kukoma Diamonds’ unbeaten record in the Rainbow Paints Blantyre and Districts Netball League (BDNL) as they face off in the final match tomorrow at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC).

Thunder coach Christina Mkwanda-Nsinji yesterday said they have no option but to beat Diamonds to finish as the 10-team league’s runners-up.

Currently, third-placed Thunder are tied on 28 points with second-placed Tigresses, who have a superior basket difference after wrapping up their fixtures a week ago.

However, Diamonds, who triumphed 50-36 over Thunder in the first round, have already won the league title for the third consecutive time with a game to play after earning 17 straight wins that have given them 34 points.

“A win this Saturday will be our only ticket to a momentous second-place finish. It has been years since we last settled for a runner-up slot and we must beat Diamonds to achieve this feat. We know it will be a difficult task but it is a must,” Mkwanda-Nsinji said.

But Diamonds’ assistant coach Noel Mussa yesterday said they will strive to maintain the unbeaten run in tomorrow’s match.

“We already promised our sponsors that we will defend the title with straight wins and the match is the most crucial assignment in our mission. We will make Thunder’s life difficult on Saturday,” he said.

Thunder bank their hopes on the skills of their star players such as Emily Jere, Thandie Galeta-Saenda and Joana Kachilika while Diamonds rely on the expertise of the likes of Alinafe Kamwala, Jessica Mazengela-Sanudi and Carol Mtukule-Ngwira.

The Diamonds versus Thunder match will be preceded by an encounter between fourth-placed Prison Sisters and fifth-positioned Serenity Stars. Chilomoni Sisters will also be up against Shizaella Queens.