Rachael Kaphaizi

Despite ATTU Young Sisters’ early exit from the ONE NICO Top 12 Netball Cup Eastern Region Play-offs, 12-year-old Yasimine Alick left a lasting impression by winning the Young Star of the Tournament award.

Although her team’s campaign ended earlier than hoped, Alick’s performances stood out, earning her individual recognition and highlighting her promise.

A versatile mid-court player, Alick has drawn attention to the talent emerging from grassroots netball. Her achievement shows that individual brilliance can shine even when a team’s campaign does not go to plan.

NICO Group Head of Corporate Affairs Mbumba Mlia Ndasauka said the tournament was achieving its aim of identifying young talent at grassroots level, citing Alick as an example of the players the competition seeks to discover.

“We are definitely achieving our purpose of growing netball at grassroots level, as you can see from our youngest player, who is just 12,” Ndasauka said.

Eastern Region Netball Committee chairperson Stella Banda also said the competition was helping to uncover young talent by giving emerging players a platform to showcase their abilities.

In the Eastern Region Play-offs, Prison Queens were crowned champions after beating Airforce 55–33 in the final. Genius finished third after defeating Prison RSV 47–36.

Prison Queens beat Genius 60–29 in the second semi-final, while Airforce defeated Prison RSV 46–41 in the first semi-final.