Salima Sugar netball tourney assists player scouting

The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) hints that the 80 million kwacha Salima Sugar national netball tournament has helped to identify more talent.

A pool of 24 teams participated in the tournament over the weekend at the Blantyre Youth Centre, where Blue Eagles won the championship after beating First Choice Tigresses 45–37.

Kukoma Diamonds claimed third position after winning 48-28 nets against Civo.

NAM president Vitumbiko Gudubuza expressed satisfaction with the performance of the teams and the professionalism of umpires.

“The competition has helped us identify new players who will be added to the squad which will play in the Africa Netball Cup in Namibia next month. The teams performed well and we know that we have a pool of future players” Gubuduza said.

Salima Sugar company Limited’s executive chairperson Webster Kosam said their bet to sponsor this edition of the tournament to a tune of K80 million from last year’s K40 million has paid off.

“Our commitment to help elevate the sport has been achieved this year and we plan on contributing more to the sport by pumping in more monetary support.

Meanwhile, the Malawi Queens have started camping in Lilongwe in preparations for the Africa Netball Cup in Namibia.

The camp started today, Tuesday 26^th November and will run up to departure day on 5^th December next month.

According to a communique signed by the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary Yamikani Kauma, the technical team and the selection committee have selected 27 players who took part in the just ended Salima Sugar Netball Competition.

The competition is set for December 9 to 14 next month with 10 countries with both male and female teams expected to participate.

However officials say the male teams will not be part of the tournament due to a lack of resources.

The following players have been shortlisted for camp:

DEFENDERS

1. Shabel Bengo GD/GK (Kukoma)

2. Martha Dambo WD/GD/GK (Lioness)

3. Chifuniro Moses GD/GK/WD (Young Eagles)

4. Towera Vinkhumbo GK/GD (Kukoma)

5. Aisha Gama ED/GD/GK (Blue Eagles)

6. Mphatso Kanyimbo GD/WD (Ekwendeni Resources)

7. Grace Mwafulirwa WD/GD/GK (Tigresses)

8. Thoko Makunganya WD/C (Blue Eagles)

9. Ella Dafter GD/GK (Giants)

ATTACKERS

1. Florence Gamuka C/WA (Diamonds)

2. Takondwa Lwazi C/WA (Blue Eagles)

3. Lusako Mhango C/WA (Civo Nets)

4. Beatrice Kumwenda C/WA (MAFCO)

5. Bridget Kumwenda C/WA (Diamonds)

6. Flora Chipeta WA/C (Tigresses)

7. Thandie Galeta C/WA (Lioness)

8. Mestina Mtete C/WA (Tigresses)

9. Molly Chisambiro C/WA (Blue Eagles)

SHOOTERS

1. Lellie Banda GA/WA/C (Lioness)

2. Ethel Ng’ambi GA (MAFCO)

3. Tendai Masamba GS (Tigresses)

4. Nancy Njawala GS (Blue Eagles)

5. Florence Jeke GA (Civo Nets)

6. Tinkhani Ndlovu GA/GS (Kukoma)

7. Patricia Moyo GS/GA (Young Eagles)

8. Jullie Kamwera GA/GS (MAFCO)

9. Cynthia Khunga GS (Civo Nets)

About The Author