Woget Stars reclaim BT Urban Netball glory
Woget Stars survived a scare by strong-willed Glass Bank Sisters at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC) on Sunday to win the Blantyre Urban title of the Presidential Netball Championships for the fourth year running.
Practically, the clash looked a balanced affair when Glass Bank Sisters pushed for a one-basket deficit in the first two quarters that ended 7-6 and 14-13, but naivety took its toll on the youthful Sisters, who bravely surrendered the title chase with a 30-22 defeat.
The Sisters’ team manager Veronica Chigaula admitted her side lacked extra zeal to overcome Woget Stars’ predictable advantage in the final that attracted more male spectators than female fans.
With former Malawi Queens’ shooter Jean Matola and goal defender Judith Chalusa dictating play for Woget Stars, it appeared a tall order for the likes of Jane Banda, Olyca Mutuku and Dorothy Nawanga to engage an extra gear on the attack.
Glass Bank Sisters beat Shizaela Sisters 27-24 in the semifinals.
“I would say we played much better than our opponents but we lacked experience to unlock them, especially in the last quarter,” Chigaula said.
On her part, Woget Stars chairperson Dalitso Ameera Chinyama, whose side received K100 000 and a trophy from Blantyre district sports officer John Chiutsi for their achievement, said they already knew the results would be in their favour although they faced some resistance.
Chinyama said: “We dedicate this victory to our sponsors who give us unwavering support.”
According to Blantyre District Netball Committee (BDNC) general secretary Annie Hanjahanja-Billie, Woget Stars and runners-up Glass Bank Sisters have made it into the regional finals.
