GOtv grand finale!
Blue Eagles dent Diamonds title hopes
The K12 million (US$36, 923) GOtv Netball Championship final lap threw off Friday morning at Don Bosco in Lilongwe where Blue Eagles dented title hopes of favourites Diamonds with a 37-33 triumph.
The result threw the race open and revived Bingu Tigresses’ chances of claiming the K1 million ultimate prize. Tigresses have 19 points after beating Civonets 43-31 yesterday.
Diamonds led 11-10 in the first quarter and 20-17 at half- time. They went on to win the third quarter 30-27, but they lost the grip in the final segment. On the other hand, Tigresses led in all quarters 10-8, 24-14 and 31-23 respectively.
As we went to press, Diamonds still led the log table with 20 points.
Diamonds captain Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Ngwira admitted that the loss meant they were no longer in the comfort zone.
“The Eagles deserved to win. They were a better side and we cannot blame the loss on anybody.
“However, we still have a chance if we can win all our remaining three games because no other team will get us,” said Ngwira.
Lanky shooter Linda Magombo inspired Tigresses to their hugely significant victory over Civonets after netting over half of her team’s total baskets.
Tigresses team manager Hellene Mpinganjira was delighted with the win, but was quick to point out that the title battle was still on.
“It is good that we have revived our chances, but we need to win all our remaining games to keep our title hopes alive,” she said.
As we went to press, Diamonds were playing Civonets as ‘Amayi a Bingu’ tussled against MTL Queens. The final games will be played today.
Such was the hype ahead of the grand finale that the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) kept the fixtures under wraps until yesterday to avoid the possibility of match-fixing.
“This had been done deliberately because some teams are already out of contention and might be tempted to connive with those that still stand a chance to [influence results],”said NAM general secretary Carol Bapu.
Sponsors Multichoice Malawi have added a flavour to the three-month exciting tournament by announcing an awards gala where outstanding netball players will be awarded in recognition of their talent tonight at up-market Ufulu Gardens in Lilongwe.
“The awards are meant to encourage players to continue on their path to greatness while motivating others to go an extra mile in their performance to attain the same accolades,” said Multichoice Malawi sales and marketing manager Chimwemwe Nyirenda.
Five players have been nominated for each of the four categories: Best defender: Towera Vinkhumbo, Carlo Ngwira (Diamond Sisters), Grace Mhango (Bingu Tigresses), Joana Kachilika (MTL Queens), Laureen Ngwira (Bingu Tigresses)
Centre court player: Bridget Kumwenda (Diamonds Sisters),Takondwa Lwazi (Blue Eagles), Tina Kamzati (Civonets) , Beatrice Kadango (Bingu Tigresses) and Rose Chinyama (Blue Eagles).
Best shooter: Joyce Mvula (Blue Eagles), Sindi Simtowe (Bingu Tigresses), Jean Chimaliro (Civonets), Mary Waya (MTL Queens), Jessica Mazengera (Diamonds Sisters).
Player of the tournament: Carlo Ngwira (Diamond Sisters), Sindi Simtowe (Bingu Tigresses), Joyce Mvula (Blue Eagles Sisters) Takondwa Lwazi (Blue Eagles Sisters), Laureen Ngwira (Bingu Tigresses).
