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Bangwe Queens were on cloud nine when they beat Nkolokoti Sisters 49-23 to win the inaugural K30,000 Womens Voice Junior Netball Bonanza staged at the Blantyre Youth Centre on Sunday.
The tournament, whose aim was to civic-educate netball players on their sexual and reproductive health rights, was organised by the Blantyre and Districts Netball League (BDNL) with sponsorship from Womens Voice, a women’s rights advocacy NGO.
Ten teams from Blantyre participated in the tournament to show that resources should be directed towards youth teams if Malawi is to build a strong future netball team.
During the match, Bangwe outplayed their opponents with class and style. They finished the first quarter at par with 9 nets each.
But the Queens stamped their authority on the game in the second quarter to lead 25-18. It was not suprising when they ended the third quarter 34-19 courtesy of their shooting wizard Ruth Lipande.
Bangwe had Ellen Duwa to thank for feeding her team’s wingers and forwards Florence Kokota and Gladys Mwale with accurate passes.
But Nkolokoti’s weakness was their centre-forward Beatrice Tembo who failed to supply clear passes to attackers Jane Banda and Yamikani Phiri.
“This tournament has helped us quite a lot because we have shown our talent which does not usually happen at district level ,” said Bangwe captain Thoko Lipande.
Bangwe also emerged champions in the MP Henry Shaba’s K300,000 netball tournament and Ayise’s K150,000 showcase, both held in the township.
Women’s Voice founder Dr. Vera Chirwa, who was guest of honour during the function, urged the young ladies to abstain from sexual immorality.
“As girls, you should be able to say no. Have you ever heard of Serena William? You should emulate her because there is a good future in sport if you put your heart into it,” said Vera, adding that the tournament was just the beginning.
BDNL chairperson Ethel Muphuwa commended Women’is Voce for their gesture and urged companies to either sponsor a tournament or adopt a team because most teams are self-sponsored.
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