Diamonds are forever? Kukoma sparkle at summit as rivals sweat title race

Blantyre’s Kukoma Diamonds are sitting pretty at the top of the FDH Bank Premier Netball League — and they’re refusing to budge.

The unbeaten side smashed their way through round one with ruthless victories over Giants (59-43) and Pacers (51-41) at Blantyre Sports Arena on Sunday, racking up 21 points to lead the 12-team pack.

Reigning champs Blue Eagles Sisters of Lilongwe trail in second on 18 points — but even a win in their final round-one clash won’t be enough to knock Diamonds off their perch.

Diamonds coach Noel Mussa was unavailable for comment, but his Blue Eagles rival Madano Tepetheya struck a defiant tone, insisting she’s determined to defend the crown despite a rocky start that forced her to blood six reserve players.

Elsewhere, Vanessa Sisters have slipped to third, with Civo Nets rounding out the top four.

And the smart money’s on Diamonds going all the way — analyst Joseph Chalera has handed them a striking 70% chance of lifting the title, though he warns Blue Eagles remain the “biggest threat” if they can bed in their new signings.