Alliance Capital retains South Airtel Money trophy
Alliance Capital Stars defended the Southern Region Airtel Money Netball trophy after beating equally impressive Chilomoni Sisters 52-36 at Blantyre Youth Centre on Sunday.
Alliance Capital alongside other regional champions Lioness (Centre), Prison Sisters (Eastern) and Mimosa (North) would now proceed to national finals set for Mzuzu next week.
The four regional champions have joined seeded sides including defending champions Complex Tigresses, runners-up Diamonds, Blue Eagles Sisters, Civonets, Thunder Queens, Mafco and Lameck Queens.
Meanwhile, Alliance Capital Stars were rewarded for their massive investment as they overpowered Chilomoni leading the first quarter 12-10 and the second 27-21.
Alliance Capital extended the lead in the third quarter 42-29 to frustrate Chilomoni.
To reach the final, Alliance defeated Shizaella 38-22 while Chilomoni humbled Blantyre Socials 40-36.
In a third-place match, Shizaella beat Blantyre Socials 16-4.
Alliance Capital Stars coach Garvey Nyondo praised his charged for putting up a gallant fight.
“All the teams were prepared for this tournament. We fought hard to book our place at the national finals,” he said.
In individual awards, Shizaella’s Chikoya Hawa was named player of the tournament while Agnes George of Alliance Capital was voted best defender.
Chilomoni Sisters’ Linda Kaponda was named best attacker while Connis Mhone of Blantyre Socials was selected best shooter.
Airtel Money marketing manager Masiye Mazaza said they were impressed with the level of performances.
“New teams have emerged and they showcased great skills. As Airtel Money we are committed to develop the game of netball and this is why we sponsor both the national netball trophy as well as the Malawi Queens,” he said.
Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) general secretary Carol Bapu said promising players in the on-going Airtel Money trophy would be considered for national team assignments.
Reserve Bank employee from Blantyre branch Mtendere Magola, who was the guest of honour, asked players to take the sport seriously.
She also asked the players to concentrate on their studies.
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