Tigresses crowned Malawi Presidential Champions

Complex Tigresses were on Saturday crowned Presidential Netball Cup Champions in Mzuzu after defeating their Blantyre rivals Diamonds in a competitive encounter that saw the two teams separating with a single basket.

The championship started on Thursday at Katoto Secondary School.

Other teams that competed were MTL Queens, Capital Alliance Sisters, Zomba Airwing Sisters, Blue Eagles Sisters, Civonets, Mafco Soldiers, Green Sisters, Karonga Queens, Mimosa Queens and Lameck Queens.

Tigresses narrowly edged Diamonds in  a physical game  that ended in 37-36 baskets.

Diamonds made it clear from the kick-off that Tigresses would not easily get the trophy as they dominated the proceedings of the match in the first quarter with the likes of Sarudzai Gondwe, Towera Vinkhumbo, Bridget Kumwenda and Caroline Mtukule leading the battle.

However, it was Sindi ‘Sniper’ Simutowe who gave Diamonds defense a tough ride as she defied Vinkhumbo’s imposing height and avoided a physical game to lead the Kanjedza girls to victory.

Simutowe also gave Carol Mtukule a restless game as she showed agility and she benefitted from many fouls the Diamonds defenders committed.

In a telephone interview with Nyasa Times from Mzuzu, Tigresses coach Peace Kalua, who was jovial hailed God for their victory.

“We have won by the grace of God and l thank him. Iam also satisfied as the coach that our effort and hard work have paid off,” said Kalua.

She also praised her charges saying despite playing in the title decider that was charged, they were disciplined.

Her counterpart Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda described the game as competitive but praised his  players for fighting until the last whistle.

“They were just lucky to win this game, otherwise only a basket separating us it is not bad on our part,” he said.

Tigresses received K4 million for being crowned Champions while Diamonds cartered home K2 million.

En route to the final, Tigresses defeated Blue Eagles while Diamonds saw Civonets off.

Tigresses had to be rescued by President Peter Mutharika’s personal assistant Ben Phiri who gave them K250 000 ($500for them to travel to Mzuzu for the championship.

Phiri said Tigresses approached him as their fan and he decided to support them in his personal capacity.

Tigresses, who were once sponsored by former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika, won every domestic competition in 2014, including the GOtv Championship and the Rainbow Paints Netball Series.

 

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