Kukoma Diamonds Babies Win Mukuru South U-21 National Netball Cup
Kukoma Diamonds Babies produced a dominant display on Sunday to claim the Mukuru Under-21 National Netball Cup Southern Region Playoffs title after thrashing Giants Reserves 36-16 at Blantyre Sports Arena.
The convincing victory crowned Diamonds Babies as Southern Region champions and earned them a place at the national finals, where Malawi’s top young netball talents will compete for national glory.
Diamonds Babies team manager, Lucy Vinkhumbo, said she was delighted with her team’s performance and focus.
“It feels good to win the playoff and qualify for the national finals. Now our focus is on intensifying our preparations for the next stage,” she said.
Giants Reserves, despite finishing runners-up, also qualified for the national finals. They will be joined by Tigresses Cubs, who secured third place following a thrilling 29-27 win over Chilimba Sisters.
Southern Region Netball Committee chairperson, Olive Msungama, praised the high level of competition displayed during the two-day tournament, which featured eight teams.
“I am happy with the competitiveness of the tournament in our fold, and I believe our ambassadors will deliver the ultimate glory,” she said.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) President, Vitumbiko Gubuduza, described the competition as a vital platform for grooming future national team players.
“With this tournament, we will have a big pool of talents for building a very strong national team for the future,” she said.
Mukuru Money Transfer Malawi regional sales manager (South), Francis Taulo, reaffirmed the sponsor’s continued support for grassroots sports development.
“We were impressed with the organisation of the playoffs and excited to support emerging talent,” he said.
With Kukoma Diamonds Babies headlining the Southern Region qualifiers, attention now turns to the remaining regional playoffs. The Eastern Region playoffs are set for December 20 to 21, while the Central and Northern region playoffs will follow.