The race for One Nico Top 12 Netball Cup finals slots takes an intriguing turn this weekend with 10 Eastern Region teams competing in playoffs at Cobbe Barracks in Zomba.
The two-day playoffs will determine three teams that will qualify for the national finals slated for Lilongwe next month.
Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) General Secretary Yamikani Khungwa-Kauma said the focus had turned to the Eastern Region after the Southern Region identified its three representatives.
“We have had good response with 10 teams registering for Eastern Region playoffs. We expect entertaining and competitive matches as we saw during the opening weekend in Blantyre,” she said.
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Khungwa-Kauma asked teams and players to observe discipline throughout the competition.
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“Our message to the teams is that there is always a winner at the end of each tournament, so we are looking for fair play and discipline. These will help players to excel in life.
“They must avoid misunderstandings that can tarnish the image of the sponsor and ruin the integrity of the sport. Otherwise regional committees, district committee, coaches committee, umpires committee and the bench committee will be available to enable teams channel their complaints through them,” she said.
Nico Corporate Affairs Manager, Mbumba Mlia- Ndasauka said they were expecting scintillating action as the process of rebuilding the Malawi National Netball Team and the sport was underway.
“We expect to have good games and to see new talent coming from the Eastern region. This is part of the rebuilding process,” she said.
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Mlia-Ndasauka advised both players and fans to plan their future.
“Everything good in life revolves around planning well. Our message is that players, teams, managers and fans should take time to detail their game plan both on and off the court. They must plan their game and do the same to their lives. They must enjoy their games and, most importantly, plan their finances.
“If success is the end game, it must be from all areas of life. So we are storming Zomba and we will engage the audience with fun activities and effective tips on how to plan their lives and finances through the game. These shows will run from Saturday and Sunday,” she said.
Netball analyst Neffie Kam’mata said she expects Eastern Region teams to challenge their counterparts from the other regions.
“They need to write their own history. They should look beyond qualification and aim for the cup too,” she said.
Participating teams are Marine, Chiradzulu, Prison Queens, Mkumba, Super Fet, Migowi, Namanolo, Attu Bullets, Migowi and Lydia.
Kukoma Diamonds, Tigresses and Blantyre Tremors qualified for the finals and will be joined by three top sides from Eastern, Central and Northern regions.
