Netball Legend Praises Mzuzu League for Talent Development
Katoto Supermarkets, a subsidiary of Weagle Holdings, sponsors the league with a K5 million investment this season.
MZUZU, Malawi — Netball icon Mary Waya has commended the Katoto Supermarkets Mzuzu Netball League for its role in promoting and developing talent in northern Malawi, writes Victor Musongole.
Waya said the league has achieved its goal of providing a platform for teams and players to showcase their abilities while keeping young women engaged in positive activities.
"The tough competition in the league shows teams have tremendously improved from the past season," Waya said.
"If we check the rise in the number of goals this season, it shows that teams have greatly improved. For example, the top two teams have more than 500 goals, which is a good sign."
Samuel Kanyenda, technical director for the Netball Association of Malawi, agreed with Waya's assessment.
"This region has potential," Kanyenda said.
"The addition of Ekwendeni Resource and other teams has added competition. The refresher courses given to umpires and coaches have added value this season, and one can see some who can feature for the national team."
However, the league faced challenges. Patrick Kusimbwa, Mzuzu District Netball Committee chairperson, noted that teams from Nkhatabay failed to fulfill some fixtures.
"Kakumbi and Kalambwe sisters failed to honor their fixtures toward the end of the league, which has been a major setback this season," Kusimbwa said.
As the league approaches its final day in early September, Ekwendeni Resource and Golden Balls remain unbeaten with 22 points each.
Resource leads due to a better goal difference of 561 against Golden's 491. Shoprite holds third place with 18 points from 12 games.
Mzuni, Raiply and Chipea Creepers are tied at 16 points each from 11 games, occupying fourth to sixth positions based on goal difference.
They each have one game remaining to potentially claim third place.
Katoto Supermarkets, a subsidiary of Weagle Holdings, sponsors the league with a K5 million investment this season.