MTL Queens threaten OG Issa League boycott

MTL Queens have threatened to boycott their remaining fixtures in the OG Issa Southern Region Netball League (SRNL) if their rematch, which they lost 18-54 to Diamonds last week is not nullified.

Queens argue that the game was not supposed to start all over again at College of Medicine (CoM) Sports Complex, but in the third quarter as agreed three weeks ago when rains disrupted the game when Diamonds were leading 19-12.

Netball rules stipulate that when a game is disrupted in the third quarter, the rematch has to start from the first whistle.

However, SRNL concluded that the Queens versus Diamonds rematch had to proceed from the third segment following the MoU signed by captains of the two teams.

“They forced our captains to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) so that our rematch could continue from the third quarter, but we were surprised that the document was not followed. They took advantage of the absence of our officials and captain Joana Kachilika to manipulate our youthful players that turned up on the day of the rematch,” said Queens team manager Annie Sanga-Kapatuka.

Queens general secretary Christina Mkwanda added that they are also surprised that SRNL has decided to impose on them mid-week games against Tigresses and Capital Alliance despite that they are preparing for the GOtv Netball Champions League in Lilongwe.

“Last week, we donated points to Prison Sisters because SRNL refused our plea to have the game shifted to midweek due to transport. Now, they want us to accept their request for midweek games when they know we are travelling to Lilongwe for GOtv matches this weekend?” she said.

SRNL general secretary Annie Hanjahanja-Billie said they will not bow down to Queens’ demands. She said the league will proceed with or without them.

“We do not have time to quarrel with teams as we want to complete the season before heavy rains start. We will stick to our guns. If they want to pull out, they are free to do so,” Hanjahanja-Billie said.