Diamonds, Thunder to light up Rainbow Paints
Holders Diamonds will Saturday shape up their destiny in the Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League race when they face revived Thunder Queens at Blantyre Youth Centre.
Apart of early bragging rights, the winner is also expected to send strong title warning to the rest of the teams.
Diamonds have been depleted in recent times as a number of players have left the team for greener pastures including Midia Chiona, who was offered a job by Prison Sisters.
The team’s head-coach, Griffin Saenda, said it was an ordinary fixture that required no special preparations.
“We will take them as they come,” he said.
Saenda will as usual rely on experienced goalkeeper, Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda and goal defender, Caroline Mtukule- Ngwira while blossoming wing defender ,Wezzie Mzembe is also set for a start.
At centre court, Diamonds are struggling for replacements while in attack they will look up to Grace Chazungulira and Jessica Mazengera-Sanudi.
Thunder have also made tremendous strides this time around and they have roped in some promising players from the Mary Waya Old Mutual Netball Academy.
Defender Joanna Kachilika, has been the team’s consistent performer while Martha Dambo is establishing her mark at centre court having been shifted from defence.
Sella Mwakhwawa has also excelled in defence after she was shifted from a shooting role while Esther Kayira is also discovering the form that earned her national team call-ups six years ago.
In another equally massive showdown, last season’s runners-up Complex Tigresses will meet Alliance Capital Stars.
Chilomoni Sisters will take on Gerald Tasaukadala Sisters while newcomers Antonio Queens will date Airwing Sisters. Shizaella Queens will clash with Airwing Sisters.
On Sunday, big spenders Alliance Capital Stars will take on Antonio Queens with Diamonds facing Gerald Tasaukadala Sisters. Complex Tigresses will then entertain Antonio Queens.
In the battle of the day, Thunder Queens is expected to take on Prison Sisters. Last season, Prison Sisters produced an outstanding performance to shock Thunder and derail them in the top three race.
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