Ekwendeni clinches Northern Region netball title
As champions, Ekwendeni Resource received a cash prize of K 300,000, while Karonga Queens, the runners-up, earned K 200,000.
Mzuzu, Malawi -In an intense showdown at Rosedale in Mzuzu, Ekwendeni Resource emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, defeating Karonga Queens by a single basket to claim the Northern Region Salima Sugar Netball League championship, writes Victor Musongole.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Queens leading in the first two quarters. However, Ekwendeni fought back fiercely, leveling the score at 34 baskets each in the third quarter.
The final quarter witnessed both teams giving their all, continuously tying the score or maintaining just a two-basket difference.
In the closing moments, the Queens couldn't withstand the pressure, allowing Ekwendeni to secure a one-basket lead and win the match 47 to 46 baskets.
The final whistle prompted tears of joy among many Ekwendeni players, who were in disbelief at their remarkable victory.
Esther Teputepu, the Coach for Ekwendeni Resource, described the game as tough and attributed their success to their improved endurance.
She said, "We lost to the same team last year, but we focused on building endurance, which paid off today. It was a tough match, and winning by a single basket shows how competitive it was."
Chimwemwe Malange, the Coach of Karonga Queens, graciously accepted the defeat and acknowledged that his players lost their touch in the final minutes of the last quarter.
He noted, "It was a good game, especially in the first and second quarters. However, my shooter, Maria, lost her touch and failed to convert some crucial baskets. Our opponents capitalized on that, and we ended up losing. We need to work on our mistakes, and we believe we will perform better in Lilongwe."
Tamara Fweta, the Chairperson of the Northern Region Netball Committee, commended Salima Sugar for sponsoring the league, emphasizing that it has helped teams maintain their competitiveness.
Fweta also revealed that they are in discussions with a potential sponsor for future leagues, raising hopes for another season of exciting netball action.
Sam Kanyenda, the Technical Director for the Netball Association of Malawi, noted that the league had unearthed rare talents. He stated, "We have identified some talents through the league, and I believe some of these players have the potential to represent the national team. The arrival of Salima Sugar has demonstrated that we have a wealth of talent."
As champions, Ekwendeni Resource received a cash prize of K 300,000, while Karonga Queens, the runners-up, earned K 200,000.
Third place went to Malongo Sisters, with Mzimba finishing in fourth place.
The league has not only provided exciting netball action but also served as a platform to nurture and showcase the talents of local players.