Diamonds, formerly Escom Sisters until 2013 retained the Blantyre and Districts Netball League Championship in 2018 without dropping a point; won the inaugural Kombedza Bonanza and crowned it all with an albeit narrow triump over Central Region netball giants and defending champions Blue Eagles Sisters in the Presidential Initiative Netball Championship.
Over the weekend, Diamonds players, supporters along with their executive committee took time to present the three trophies to their sponsors Capital Oil Refineries (CORI) saying they could not have done it without the finances.
"It feels so good to present the trophies to the sponsors having not lost any game and winning 34 -36 games.
CORI's [decision] to increase the sponsorship from MK4.5-9 million motivated us to win all the trophies and be an unbeaten team. We were working hard knowing that at end of the month, we'll get something," said a proud Diamonds captain Caroline 'Ayuda' Mtukule Ngwira.
The longtime Malawi Queens captain, Ngwira, along with the club's charperson Lumbani Mtonyo then said they would appreciate an increased package to meet rising costs of living.
Understandably, so, because for a squad of at least 15 players excluding backroom staff and other expenses, a MK9 million sponsorship package means sharing MK750,000 a month. Plus the MK1 million won in the league, MK300,000 from the Kombedza Bonanza and MK 3 million from the Presidential Netball team.
"We would appreciate if the sponsorship was at least doubled," quipped Ngwira.
Speaking after being presented with the trophies, CORI sponsorship Coordinator Violet Kapolo said they were proud of the team's achievements.
Kukoma Diamonds Players and supporters celebrate winning three trophies
"We are very happy that the team has won all the trophies in 2018 and we anticipate that 2019 will be a great year. We'll be discussing with the team's management to map the way forward on how we're going to run the 2019/2020 season," she said.
Most teams in the BDNL have struggled to secure sponsorship since the departure of the likes of ADMARC, MTL, ESCOM between 2009 and 2010. Consequently, clubs have had difficulties maintaining their squads, motivating players. In fact, most survive on the mere netball passion of some individuals and people of good will.
