Diamonds, She-Flames fight for three stars
A tug-of-war has ensued between Malawi women’s national football team and Rainbow Paints Blantyre and Districts Netball League defending champions, Kukoma Diamonds, over the services of three key players.
Diamonds are in need of Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, Shira Kapasula-Dimba and Salome Vinkhumbo who are in camp with the She-Flames in preparation for Wednesday’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifier against Kenya at Kamuzu Stadium.
The dominant Diamonds are set to clash with rivals First Choice Tigresses in a first round decider at Blantyre Youth Centre Saturday.
Diamonds Chairperson, Lumbani Mtonyo, said they were hoping that the trio would be released for the match.
“Every team wants its best players for big games. As such, we have no option but to ask the national team to consider releasing the trio. We appreciate that they are with the national team but we also need their services. We are not denying them the chance to serve the nation. However, they belong to our club and their services will be needed against Tigresses,” Mtonyo said.
The match is crucial as the winner would finish at the top of the first round.
She-Flames Team Manager, Clara Luhanga, said they were yet to discuss the matter with Diamonds.
“We have not yet discussed the release of the three players with Diamonds. That is all I can say for now. I cannot comment beyond that,” Luhanga said.
Diamonds and Tigresses have 18 points each from nine games, with the former leading on goal difference of 592 against 513.
