Vanessa Sisters Reserves on Sunday won the Mukuru Under-21 National Netball Cup inaugural champions after beating fellow Lilongwe-based side Young Eagles 48-35 in a thrilling final at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHes) Sports Complex in Blantyre. For their feat, Vanessa Reserves received K5 million, runners-up Young Eagles and third-placed Diamonds Babies got K3 million and K2 million, respectively. On the other hand, fourth-placed Tigresses Cubs received K1 million.
The champions created an eight-basket advantage in the first quarter which ended 15-7 and led 23-17 at half time. Despite strong resistance form Young Eagles, Vanessa Reserves maintained their dominance with a 33-27 lead in the third quarter before their 13-basket victory. Goal shooter Sarai Chisale was the architect of Vanessa Reserves’ success as she netted 28 baskets from 30 attempts.
Goal attacker Shira Nkhoma, who claimed 17 from 22 attempts, was also instrumental. Vanessa Reserves coach Chisomo Tibu attributed their success to hard-work and depth. “We worked hard for this and I thank the girls for their effort.
[paywall]
We also pushed hard because we have depth in the squad,” he said. Kukoma Diamonds Babies finished third following a 55-43 win over fellow Blantyre-based side Tigresses Cubs in third-place play-off. In individual awards, Vanessa Reserves also dominated as Nkhoma was named player of the match and the tournament’s best shooter while Mphatso Banda claimed both best centre and most valuable player accolades.
Diamonds Babies’ Sophie Kamanga was named the tournament’s best defender while George Masiye was named the best umpire. Malawi National Council of Sports board member Escort Chinula, who was the guest of honour, said they were grateful to Mukuru for giving young netball talents a platform to nurture their talents. Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman, who also graced the final, said he was disappointed that teams from his fold failed to reach the final attributing it to lack of sponsorship and promised to help them find sponsors.
Netball Association of Malawi president Vitumbiko Gubuduza said the tournament has played a big role in nurturing talents that are good enough to help the senior national team’s transition process. Mukuru Malawi country manager Pride Chiwaya, whose money transfer company pumped K60 million into the national cup, said they were impressed with the level of competition among young talents. “We have achieved our objectives through this tournament and this has motivated us to do more in future,” he said.
[/paywall]
