Battle of pride and honour will take centre stage this afternoon as Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League season winds up.
Champions-in-waiting Kukoma Diamonds are set to hoist the trophy moments after dating Thunder Queens at Blantyre Youth Centre.
In an equally important match, deposed champions Tigresses will take on Alliance Capital Stars.
Attention is on Tigresses and Thunder, who are vying for the second slot.
Thunder, currently lie on second place with 45 points, and they only need a draw against Diamonds to seal the slot whereas Tigresses are third with 42 points.
Tigresses must beat Alliance Capital Stars and hope for Thunder’s loss so as to finish as runners-up on a superior baskets’ difference.
Thunder Coach, Christina Mkwanda- Nsinji, said winning was their ultimate mission today.
“If this means spoiling Diamonds’ party we will do so. We have good players and they are also waiting for this match to prove that our recent good form is not by fluke,” she said.
Nsinji will rely on shooter Chikumbutso Banda, centre Thandie Galeta, wing attacker Pilirani Msukwa and goal-defender Joanna Kachilika.
Diamonds Coach, Griffin Saenda, insisted that his side does not want to spoil their celebrations with a loss.
“We don’t care what happens to others. It will not make any sense for us to lose the last match,” he said.
Diamonds’ versatile defender, Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, has been a key figure ever since skipper Caroline Mtukule- Ngwira went on a sabbatical.
The likes of goal attacker, Jessica Mazengera-Sanudi, shooter Grace Chazungulira and centre Bridget Kumwenda have been influential for the champions.
Tigresses Coach, Peace Chawinga- Kalua, speaking after their 49-28 loss to Diamonds last week, was confident that they would finish on second position.
In another match, Shizaella Queens will take on Prison Sisters.
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