Tigresses tip Diamonds for GOtv championship

After suffering a 31-40 defeat by Diamonds Netball Club on Sunday, Bingu Tigresses have concluded that their rivals will emerge as the eventual champions of the GOtv Netball Champions League at Don Bosco in Lilongwe this weekend.

Although it is now evident that the real battle for the crown will be between the Tigresses and Diamonds in the final round, Tigresses coach Charles Mhango told The Nation yesterday that his team will require a miracle to overcome Diamond’s predictable advantage.

However, Diamonds coach Griffin ‘Zagalo’ Saenda appeared suspicious of Mhango’s sentiment, describing it as mere rhetoric aimed at diluting the spirit of hard work among his players as they prepare for the league’s final round next weekend when the two sides will meet again.

So far, each of the five teams has played 12 games and Diamonds are at the pinnacle of the log table with 20 points while Tigresses follow with 17 points. MTL Queens are fourth with nine points while Civonets anchor the table with two points.

“We are hoping for a miracle for us to win the title. Of course, everything is possible in netball, but I must admit that Diamonds are now better off and they will take the crown this weekend,” Mhango said.

But Saenda said they would not be flattered by the Tigresses’ remarks, saying they will remain focused and they will put all their efforts together in order to win all their remaining four games by wider margins.

“We will fight up to the end; we are not yet there. Chances are still 50-50. We remain focused up to the last minute so as to solidify our chances of becoming the inaugural champions of the event,” Saenda said.