Lisungwi Sisters produced a commanding performance to claim the Boltsalt Netball League championship, defeating hosts Chifunga Sisters 33-18 at Chifunga Primary School ground on Sunday.
The visitors seized control from the opening whistle, racing to an early lead with quick successive baskets that left the home side struggling to match their energy and intensity. The first quarter ended 10-4 in favor of Lisungwi Sisters.
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Chifunga Sisters showed signs of settling into the contest in the second quarter, but their shooters squandered numerous scoring opportunities. Despite the improved play, they went into halftime trailing 17-8.
The hosts made tactical adjustments after the break, introducing tall goal defenders and goal shooters who had arrived late to the match. The changes helped Chifunga finally find their rhythm, but Lisungwi remained clinical in front of goal, converting 90 percent of their chances to lead 27-14 heading into the final quarter.
Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the fourth quarter as Lisungwi Sisters continued their dominance, scoring quick baskets to put the match beyond reach and seal a comprehensive 33-18 victory.
Boltsalt Netball League Chairperson in Neno, Robson Manda, praised the quality of play on display.
“It was a good day, a final day where netball teams fight for glory. They have shown us that there is raw talent in Neno,” Manda said. “As a committee, we are running this U-23 netball tournament with the main objective of unearthing good talent. We need time to build a strong team that will represent Neno.”
Manda added that his committee would support Lisungwi Sisters in preparing for the regional tournament, including strengthening their squad with selected players from other teams.
Neno District Sports Officer Memory Baluwa expressed gratitude to the tournament sponsors.
“We thank Boltsalt for bringing this tournament to Neno. It is helping us develop netball in our district. We have talked with the Southern Netball Association and they have expressed commitment to developing coaches and umpires to grow the sport in this district,” Baluwa said.
Veronica Chigaula, Vice General Secretary of the Southern Region Netball Committee, highlighted the tournament’s role in talent identification.
“We have watched a good game and Boltsalt has helped us identify good talent which we want to progress to the U-21 and U-23 levels,” Chigaula said. “We want to thank Boltsalt for sponsoring this tournament across 14 districts, which enables us to identify players.”
Prize Distribution:
- First place (Lisungwi Sisters): K120,000
- Second place (Chifunga Sisters): K90,000
- Third place (Ligowe Sisters): K75,000
- Fourth place (Chikonde Zone Sisters): K65,000
The tournament forms part of Boltsalt’s broader initiative to develop netball across multiple districts in the Southern Region, providing a crucial pathway for young players to advance to higher levels of competition.
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