Lameck Queens netball team stunned Karonga Sisters 54-21 on Saturday at Rosedale Court in Mzuzu to retain the K2.5 million Nico Life Netball Trophy.
Inspired by accurate shooting from captain Happiness Soko and lethal attacking from Tapiwa Chikowoka, with the assists from centre Stella Kamanga and goal-defender Hilder Chimtengo, the Queens put their opponents under pressure.
“I think our shooting was awful,†said Sisters captain Colleta Mwalilino.
Although they celebrated their win, Queens captain appealed to the sponsors to increase the prize money.
The Queens received K200 000 (about $666), runners-up K100 000 (about $303), third-placed Bruce Sisters K80 000 (about $242) whereas K50 000 (about $151) went to fourth-placed Ekwendeni Hammers.
Bruce Sisters’ Patricia Chunga, Holiness Mshani and Cathy Mwakasula were the best player of the tournament, best defender and best shooter respectively while Ekwendeni Hammers’ Teleza Kumwenda was the best centre. They each received K2 500 (about $7.5).
Guest of honour at the prize presentation, sports development officer for the North, Georgina Msowoya, thanked Nico Life for keeping the girls busy from dangerous behaviours. She, however, advise Nico Life to take advantage of the games to sell their products since most people do not know much about them.
Chairperson of the Northern Region Netball Committee, Alick Mkandawire, said the sponsorship helped his committee to identify talent for the national team.
On her part, Nico Life branch manager Eurita Kadaluka pledged sponsorship continuity, saying her firm believes it is only a healthy customer through sports who can effectively serve the nation. She hinted at increased stakes in the 2013 edition.
