By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The 2026 FDH Bank Netball Premier League has found a new force to reckon with—and her name is Vannesa Sisters.
In a breathtaking week four campaign at the Civo Stadium Netball Court in Lilongwe, the fast-rising Vannesa Sisters sent a chilling message to the rest of the league, sweeping aside Pacers before demolishing Giants NC to storm to the summit of the 12-team table.
First came a 43-31 victory over Pacers on Saturday, August 22. Then, barely 24 hours later, the Lilongwe-based outfit turned on the power again, crushing Giants NC 51-33 on Sunday to cap a perfect weekend.
Adding even more sparkle to Vannesa Sisters’ remarkable weekend, Shira Nkhoma and Mphatso Banda were named Player of the Match in the two victories, underlining the individual brilliance behind the team’s collective success.
Nkhoma was voted Player of the Match in Saturday’s victory over Pacers, before Banda claimed the individual accolade following Sunday’s commanding win against Giants NC.
The two victories have propelled Vannesa Sisters to 12 points from seven matches, with an impressive six wins and just one defeat—their only setback coming against Kukoma Diamonds.
And the numbers tell a story of their own.
Vannesa Sisters have smashed 322 goals, conceded 253 and boast a commanding +69 goal difference, dislodging Blue Eagles and Kukoma Diamonds from the top two positions. Both sides are now tied on 11 points after playing six games each.
For a team that only came into existence in 2021, the speed at which Vannesa Sisters have risen is nothing short of remarkable.
The team announced itself during its debut 2025 FDH Bank Netball Premier League campaign, finishing fourth. But this season, the Lilongwe side appears to have shed the tag of a promising newcomer and transformed itself into a genuine title contender.
Giants NC Feel the Vannesa Storm
Giants NC were the latest victims of the Vannesa Sisters surge.
From the first whistle on Sunday, Vannesa seized control and refused to surrender it.
The Lilongwe side raced into an 18-9 lead in the opening quarter, immediately putting Giants NC under pressure.
The Blantyre-based visitors responded in the second quarter, cutting into the deficit, but Vannesa still went into the break ahead at 24-22.
Whatever hope Giants NC had of turning the contest around disappeared after the recess.
Vannesa Sisters returned with renewed aggression, stretching the lead to 39-25 by the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter became a procession as the home side continued to punish every mistake, eventually sealing a commanding 51-33 victory.
Tibu: “The Girls Are Giving It All”
Vannesa Sisters head coach Chisomo Tibu could hardly hide his excitement after watching his team climb to the top.
Speaking to Maravipost, Tibu credited the players’ hard work, determination and the unwavering backing of the team’s director, Anthony Msendema.
“As a team, we are very happy for being on top of the table. The team works extra hard in every game it plays and the girls are giving it all. The target this season is to finish in the top two.”
Tibu added that the players’ motivation, coupled with strong support from management, has been central to the team’s remarkable run.
With Vannesa now sitting at the summit, the coach’s top-two target suddenly looks modest. The team’s blistering start has inevitably raised bigger questions: Could Vannesa Sisters go all the way?
For now, Tibu is keeping his feet on the ground, but the league’s established giants will certainly be watching closely.
Tigresses and Pacers Left Counting the Cost
While Vannesa Sisters celebrated a dream weekend, Blantyre Giants Tigresses endured the opposite.
The Tigresses returned from week four without a single point after suffering two defeats.
They were mauled 65-38 by Civonets on Saturday before falling narrowly to Lioness 56-54 on Sunday.
The double blow left Tigresses sitting eighth on the table, while Prison Queens climbed into seventh after collecting points against KIA ATLAS.
Pacers also endured a nightmare trip to Lilongwe.
They first fell 43-31 to Vannesa Sisters before Civonets piled on the misery with a crushing 58-27 victory on Sunday.
The Race Is Wide Open
With week four now in the books, the league is beginning to take shape—but there is still little certainty about who will ultimately rule the season.
Vannesa Sisters sit proudly at the top with 12 points, while Blue Eagles and Kukoma Diamonds are breathing down their necks on 11 points each.
The gap is small, the competition is fierce and one bad weekend could completely rewrite the table.
Week Four Results
Friday, August 21
- Blue Eagles 53-21 FCL Netball Team
- FCL Netball Team 22-34 Prison Queens
Saturday, August 22
- Vannesa Sisters 43-31 Pacers
- KIA ATLAS 38-40 Giants NC
- Civonets 65-38 Tigresses
- Lioness 60-40 Pacers
Sunday, August 23
- MAFCO Soldiers 54-50 Prison Queens
- Civonets 58-27 Pacers
- Vannesa Sisters 51-33 Giants NC
- Lioness 56-54 Tigresses
- KIA ATLAS 36-49 Prison Queens
Fireworks Expected in the Second Round
If the opening weeks are anything to go by, the 2026-27 FDH Bank Netball Premier League is shaping up to be a season of shocks, comebacks and fierce battles.
Vannesa Sisters have fired the first major warning shot, with Nkhoma and Banda providing the individual brilliance to complement the team’s collective strength.
The Lilongwe side’s next challenge comes in week five against KIA ATLAS and Lioness, again in Lilongwe.
The question now is no longer whether Vannesa Sisters belong among the league’s elite.
They clearly do.
The question is whether this fast-rising force can withstand the pressure, survive the giants waiting to knock them off their perch—and remain in the driving seat when the final whistle of the season is blown.
