Fallen giants clash in Real Insurance titanic battle
by Mphatso Malidadi - Saturday, November 15, 2008 - 11:08:36

Bitter MTL Queens are set to exert their fury on depleted Tigresses when the two meet today November 15 in a Real Insurance Blantyre and Districts Netball League showdown at Blantyre Youth Centre.

The game comes at a time when MTL are nursing the painful wounds they suffered to Escom Sisters in the Toyota Malawi national netball trophy.

Today’s battle provides realistic chance to both teams in their pursuit to win at least one championship. The side that loses can as well forget their chance of earning the league title.

MTL coach Edith Kaliati said she was rectifying the team’s shortfalls.

“Our shooting was a bit atrocious and I was working on that area among others,” Kaliati said.

During their downfall to Escom, shooters Mary Waya and Emma Mzagada were a shadow of themselves as they failed to get passes. Let alone the two failed to convert their chances.

“If we are to win crucial games we need to take on our chances,” she said.

In defence Kaliati is likely to deploy Esther Nkhoma, Esther Kaira and Joanna Kachilika to block Tigresses illusive attackers in Sindie Simtowe and Ellen Chibokho.

Never fading stylish centre Slyvia Malenga Mtetemera will link up with either Christina Mkwanda or Emily Nyanga Machinjiri to feed their attackers, who need to overcome clumsiness.

Kaliati said they will work hard to defend the title for the seventh successive time.
Tigresses, who are likely to play without their several players including coach-player
Peace Kalua, should not be overlooked as they can scratch with their smooth claws.

Team manager Helene Mpinganjira said the absence of key players has underscored their quest to offer real resistance.

Mpinganjira said in absence of Peace, Charles Mhango was drilling the team.
“We are going into this match to fight. We will do with those that are available,” she said.

Tigresses have one of the best upcoming defender in Grace Mwafulirwa, who is blessed with height and intelligence.

Mwafulirwa will have to be on guard to stop MTL’s penetrative attacks.

Centre Beatrice Mpinganjira must also rise to the occasion because Tigresses game rest on her while Licy Akidu Fiwa and Rose Saili must coordinate well to mount serious attacks to MTL.

Currently MTL are topping the table while Escom Sisters are second with Tigresses on third.

Saturday’s full fixtures:
Premier Division
Escom Sisters v Balaka, Trigger Lioness v Liwonde Medicals, MTL v Tigresses (BYC).

Division One
Thompex Sisters v Rota Vaccine, Blue Stars v Chankhame Sisters, Cobbe Queens v Changalume Queens (all at BYC), Mangochi Medicals v Mulanje Medicals, Zomba Medicals v Phalombe Medicals, Cobbe Sisters v Mulanje Medicals, Zomba Medicals v Mangochi Medicals (all at Zomba).

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