Head coach of Afrocat Lions Dimitri Bitler expressed satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the MTC Netball Premier League playoffs over the weekend. His team secured promotion to the top-tier league, a development he described as positive not only for the club, but also for its sponsors. 

Despite the achievement, Bitler emphasised the need for an internal evaluation to understand the factors that led to their relegation. He stated that the team would develop a strategy to ensure they maintain their position in the league. 

“We will work hard to finish in the top half of the table. These are exciting times for us. Our experience helped us stay composed, and we weren’t intimidated by the teams we faced,” he said. During the playoffs, each team played four matches over two days. Afrocat Lions managed with only eight players throughout the weekend, as some squad members had to leave due to delays in the competition. Bitler, however, confirmed that the team would be reinforcing its squad with new players for the upcoming season. 

Unam Jaguars’ head coach Augusta Mbai also welcomed her team’s return to the top- flight league, acknowledging the need for improvement. “We need to work on several areas early in the season to avoid relegation again,” she said. 

Afrocat Lions and Unam Jaguars join Cuca Tops and Extreme NC as the four teams promoted to the MTC Netball Premier League.