Escom retains OG Issa league title
Escom Sisters proved that they are a force to reckon with in the OG Issa Southern Netball League when they successfully defended the K1.5 million OG Issa League on Sunday at the netball Mecca Blantyre Youth Centre in Blantyre.
The electricians trounced the flamboyant Bingu Tigresses by 43 baskets to 40 in a highly contested final which was well patronized by a huge number of spectators.
The game lived up to spectator’s expectation as both teams displayed classic netball.
In the first and second quarter, Escom Sisters were leading with a margin wide 15 to 10 baskets before 20-24 in the second quarter.
With the likes of Mwawi ‘Professor’ Kumwenda, Towera ‘Pincord’ Vinkhumbo, Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Ngwira, Bridget Kumwenda and Sarudzai Gondwe, Escom breathed fire in all departments.
However, Tigresses should blame themselves for failing to win the match because at one point in time they were leading the Electricians with two baskets in the last quarter.
On the part of Tigresses, Sindi ‘Sniper’ Simutowe was the girl to watch with her scoring skills while Ellen Chibokho was slippery as usual in the hands of Caroline Ngwira.
And in individual categories the following players were given DVD Players; Joana Kachilika, Sindi Simutowe, Tadala Billie, Maria Lameck, Jessie Kamwendo, Peace Maloya and Mwawi Kumwenda for being outstanding during the entire League.
Mwawi Kumwenda was also voted an outstanding player with the following players as well Thandi Mwale for most improved player, Jessica Mazengera for being most improved shooter, Beatrice Mwase for become the most improved centre while Cathy Chikwenga was voted the most improved defender.
In his speech, a representative from OG Group of Companies, a Mr Kulemero assured Southern Netball League Committee that next year they will continue sponsoring the league.
“Come next year we will come again with another sponsorship. Our aim is to improve netball in Malawi by making our Malawi Queens the best team in the world,” said Kulemero, who also stressed that they were satisfied with the way the League was handled.
Kulemero also advised the players not to indulge themselves in immoral behaviours during off season.
Netball Association of Malawi general secretary Helen Mpinganjira applauded OG Issa for their sponsorship as the country is losing many sponsors in sports.
“We do not take OG Issa sponsorship for granted. We thank you very much and we are looking forward to work with you again next year,” said Mpinganjira.
