Pakistani attacker Iresha Karalagodage has rejoined Rainbow Paints Blantyre and District Netball League champions Kukoma Diamonds, almost 10 years after leaving the side on personal and family grounds.
Karalagodage was part of Diamonds that won the Standard Bank Netball Cup in 2013 but she has returned to the side and made some appearances this season.
“I had a lot of family commitments that required a lot of time. Realising that my husband is equally busy at Shariah Investment, where he is the general manager, I decided to take a break. I am now back to the team, working hard to help the side win trophies,” she said.
Diamonds Team Manager Sellar Mwafulirwa-Ligowe said the team was delighted to welcome back Karalagodage into its fold.
“She is a good attacker and she can shoot well. It is good to have her back as we strive to defend the league and win a national trophy,” Mwafulirwa-Ligowe said.
She said competition in the team’s attacking department was stiff following the emergence of two youthful shooters Idah Mhone and Sophie Banda and also two experienced shooters Grace Chazungulira and Jessica Sanudi.
“We have players of different qualities in attack and this helps our team to use different formations, thereby beating our opponents with ease,” Mwafulirwa-Ligowe said.
Meanwhile, Diamonds defeated Airforce Sisters 75-25 to maintain their perfect run in the league.
During other games played at Blantyre Youth Centre, First Choice Tigresses defeated debutants Pacers 60-31 while Giants Netball Club, formerly Imosys or Thunder Queens, beat Chileka Sisters 81-18.
In one of the most entertaining games, Mubas and Chileka Sisters drew 31-all.
