By Vinjeru Ngwira
Kukoma Diamonds, Tigresses and Giants NC have booked their places at the national finals of the One NICO Top 12 National Netball Cup after emerging as the top three teams in the Southern Region play-offs.
Kukoma Diamonds were crowned Southern Region champions, earning K1.5 million, while runners-up Tigresses received K750,000. Giants NC finished third and walked away with K500,000.
Individual brilliance was also recognised, with Relie Banda of Tigresses scooping both the Best Shooter and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Mirriam Mlia of Kukoma Reserve was named Best Defender, while Princess Banda of Kukoma Diamonds claimed the Best Centre accolade.
Emily Coffee of Fada completed the list of individual award winners after being named Young Player of the Tournament for her promising performance during the competition.
Kukoma Diamonds head coach Noel Musa described the play-offs as fiercely contested but expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the national finals. He said the side was determined to fight for the championship after missing out on the title last season.
NICO Group Head of Corporate Affairs Mbumba Mlia Ndasauka applauded all teams that participated in the Southern Region play-offs, while congratulating Kukoma Diamonds on their triumph.
Meanwhile, Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) President Vitumbiko Gubuduza expressed satisfaction with the standard of competition and thanked the players, the Southern Region Netball Committee and sponsors NICO Group for organising a colourful event.
Gubuduza also encouraged the Eastern, Central and Northern regions to prepare for their respective play-offs as the tournament progresses towards the national finals in Lilongwe, where Kukoma Diamonds, Tigresses and Giants NC will carry the Southern Region’s hopes in the battle for national honours.