By Wellington Sibale
Stakeholders in netball have praised netball sponsor Boltsalt for its significant contribution to the development of the sport in Neno District, following a successful tournament held on Sunday at Chifunga Primary School ground.
Lisungwi Sisters claimed the championship with a commanding 33-18 victory over hosts Chifunga Sisters in a final that showcased the raw talent being nurtured through Boltsalts sponsorship.
Neno District Sports Officer, Memory Baluwa, led the chorus of appreciation for the companys investment in grassroots netball.“We thank Boltsalt for bringing this tournament to Neno. It is helping us develop netball in our district. We have engaged the Southern Netball Association, and they have expressed commitment to developing coaches and umpires to grow the sport in this district,” Baluwwa said.
Vice General Secretary of the Southern Region Netball Committee, Veronica Chigaula, emphasised how Boltsalts intervention has enhanced talent identification across the region.
“We have watched a good game, and Boltsalt has helped us identify good talent which we want to progress to the Under-21 and Under-23 levels. We thank Boltsalt for sponsoring this tournament across 14 districts, which enables us to identify players,” Chigaula said.
Boltsalt Netball League Chairperson Neno, Robson Manda, echoed the sentiments, noting the tournaments success in unearthing hidden talent.
“It was a good final day where netball teams fought for glory. They have shown us that there is raw talent in Neno.“As a committee, we are running this Under-23 netball tournament with the main objective of unearthing good talent. We need time to build a strong team that will represent Neno,” Manda said.
Lisungwi Sisters dominated from the first whistle, racing to a 10-4 lead in the first quarter with quick, successive baskets that left Chifunga Sisters struggling to match their intensity. Although the hosts settled into the game in the second quarter, poor shooting saw them trailing 17-8 at halftime.
Chifunga made tactical changes after the break, introducing tall goal defenders and shooters who had arrived late, which helped them find some rhythm.
However, Lisungwis clinical finishing saw them converting 90 percent of their chances to lead 27-14 going into the final quarter. The visitors maintained their dominance in the closing stages to secure a convincing 33-18 victory.
Champions Lisungwi Sisters received K120,000, while runners-up Chifunga Sisters went away with K90,000. Neno Queens, who finished third, collected K75,000, and fourth-placed Ligowe Sisters received K65,000.
Boltsalts sponsorship across 14 districts in the Southern Region has created opportunities for young female athletes in areas where sports infrastructure and competitive platforms have long been limited.
