Young Sisters are 2016 North Airtel Money champs
Young Sisters were on Saturday crowned champions of 2016 Northern Region Airtel Money Netball Championship after defeating Moyale Queens 44-24 at Katoto Secondary School in Mzuzu.
The win has earned the Mzuzu-based side a place in the national finals where they will compete with other regional champions from the Centre and the South as well as seeded teams.
Young Sisters’ victory did not come on a silver platter. They had to defeat Karonga Sisters 38-9 in the quarter-finals before thrashing Malongo Sisters from Rumphi 36-11 in the semi-finals.
Jane Ngolande, Wongani Malisawo and Olliness Beza were superb for Young Sisters.
The tournament attracted 17 teams from Likoma, Nkhata Bay, Mzuzu City, Ekwendeni, Mzimba, Rumphi and Karonga.
Young Sisters coach Annabel Phiri commended her players for playing to instruction.
“I thank my players for the hard work,” she said.
Speaking during the prize presentation ceremony, Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary Carol Bapu urged the winning side to not to relax but preparations for the national finals.
North regional sports officer Georgina Msowoya, who was the guest of honour, hailed Airtel Malawi for sponsoring the tournament.
Young Sisters received K1 250 000 while the runners-up Moyale Queens got K600 000 (about $943).
Third-placed Karonga Queens received K350 000 while Malongo, who scooped position four, received K250 000 (about $393).
Haliness Beza of Young Sisters was crowned Player of the Tournament and received K30 000.
Chimwemwe Msowoya of Malongo Sisters was named Best Defender while Tafalida Zgambo of Moyale Queens was awarded Best Shooter. Best Centre Player accolade went to Tamala Simeza of Tafika Sisters from Ekwendeni They each received K25 000. n
