Azam Tigers may be out of contention for the TNM Super League title but their sponsor, Bakhresa Malawi Limited, wants them to finish in the top six.

To drive the point home, Bakhresa has provided a K2 million package to inspire the team to win the last two matches.

The package offers each player K150,000 for a win and K75,000 for a draw.

However, Tigers officials stated that it will be difficult to implement the proposal because of the club’s debts.

Kau-Kau are eighth on the table with 39 points from 28 games.

Bakhresa Malawi Limited Sales Manager, Elias Nyirongo, said the extra K2 million funding is not part of the K6 million annual sponsorship which the team gets.

“We have decided to motivate the team so that they should win their remaining games. We hope things will work out,” he said.

Tigers Chairperson, Sydney Chikoti, described the incentive as timely, saying it will help the team resolve its financial problems.

“This has come at the right time and it will motivate the players to keep fighting as the league draws to a close,” he said.

This year’s Mr. Malawi Bodybuilding Contest is set for tomorrow at Crossroads Hotel’s Bambino Room in Lilongwe, with over 30 contestants registering.

Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Association of Malawi (WBAM) Vice President, Kelvin Saeluzika, said it was pleasing that there has been a lot of interest this year as compared to the previous year’s.

“Bodybuilders from different clubs across the country have been inquiring about this contest. We gave them enough time for preparations and we believe they will give us the best,” he said.

Saeluzika disclosed that the association has engaged five reputable judges to professionally handle scores for the contest.

“Of course, we have had complaints in the previous events but those with sober and sound minds will agree that the judges’ were doing their best to give the correct points to all contestants. This time we have also hired credible judges to ensure that only the best win,” he said.

He added that before commencement of the contest, bodybuilders would undergo prejudging to select only the best to battle for the championship.

“A prejudging session is crucial because it helps in screening bodybuilders to ascertain if they qualify to take part in the competition. We consider various requirements such as muscle definition and mass,” he said.

Brown Gondwe is the defending champion having won the championship in the absence of six-time winner Henry Master.

WBAM has sourced sponsorship from the Malawi National Council of Sports to stage the event.

All is set for Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) elections at Mangochi CCAP Church Hall today with several top officials expected to go unopposed.

Outgoing Chairperson, Raphael Humba, and his vice, Patrick Mbalati, will automatically sail through as they have no challenger.

Chairpersons for the Central Region and Northern Region football associations also retained their posts unopposed.

Also expected to go through unopposed are treasurer Christopher Kuyera and his vice Rajabu Namalaka.

Outgoing General Secretary, George Pagaja, will face Dleys Kachala while Ignatius Mtambalika is challenging Kingsley Simbeye for the post of vice General Secretary.

Pharaoh Phiri, William Gowero, Mervin Nkunika, Francis Malunguza, Tiziona Banda and Daniel Mbetewa are set to do battle for four executive member posts.

Meanwhile, Mbalati, who incorporated into the executive after Trouble Kalua resigned as Vice Chairperson, advised the officials that are set to go unopposed not to relax.

“Our going in unchallenged should inspire us to perform even much better than we did in the previous term of office. It shows that the affiliates have faith in us to transform the league further,” he said.

Mbalati said upon being given a new mandate, SRFA should come up with a strategic plan to woo potential sponsors.

“For instance, besides the Masters Security sponsorship, we need to woo other companies to bankroll at least two regional cups to further strengthen the league. We also need to re-introduce man of the match and player of the month awards. We should also explore how to go about annual awards to motivate teams and players,” he said.

Recently, Humba said he wanted to secure sound sponsorship to deal with some problems haunting the league such as failure to pay referees on time.

The Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League (SRNL) will be on a two-break in view of the festive period.

Initially, the second round was expected to end this month, but it has been pro-longed due to several factors, including Malawi Queens’ recent international engagements.

The national team competed in the Fast5 Netball World Series in Melbourne, Australia where they finished third in November.

The league will resume on January 7, according to SRNL General Secretary, Annie Hanjahanja.

“As you know, the Queens competed in Fast5 Series. During that time, some of the teams were exempted from games after contributing several players to the national side. This affected our calendar,” she said.

Hanjahanja said they were excited with the level of competition in the league as most developmental sides were showing flashes of brilliance.

“Teams like Chilomoni, Alliance Capital Stars and Shizaella have performed extremely well. We have also seen some upsets, which is a good sign,” she said in reference to Thunder Queens’ recent defeat of Tigresses 48-43.

Currently, Kukoma Diamonds top the log table with 48 points from 16 games whereas defending champions Tigresses lie second with 45 points from 17 games.

Revived Thunder Queens have 39 points from 15 games. Chitakale anchor the 10-member log table with three points from 17 games.

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) has said local boxers will benefit from the just-ended World Boxing Council (WBC) convention held in Miami, Florida, the United States.

The board’s President, Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba, said he attended the convention, which with reputable organisations, tackled issues such as rating and international fights.

“We will see changes in how our boxers will be rated on Africa Boxing Union (ABU) rankings. Most of our boxers were not being rated because they were not in the system. Things will change now as long as we send information,” he said.

Zimba added that local boxers will be able to vie for various international title fights because the board represented itself strongly during the convention.

“No wonder, as Malawi, we have been given an opportunity that our rising female boxer, Anisha Basheer, should face a Kenyan for the African Boxing Union belt. If our boxer wins, she will have a chance to challenge for a WBC Silver medal title,” he said.

He added that the issue was rather tricky for male boxers because they were many in the world and they go through ranking and elimination fights.

“But that does not mean that our male boxers will not vie for international belts with reputable organisations such as the ABU and WBC. The chances are there but limited,” said Zimba, who attended the convention alongside No Pain No Gain Boxing Promotions Managing Director, Craig Rousseau.

Determined Sports Complex Simba Women Hockey team have organised a two-day hockey tournament to fundraise for the team’s friendly games’ trip to Zimbabwe.

The tournament, which will either be held at National Hockey Stadium or Kamuzu Stadium, will attract 14 teams.

The team recently organised a fundraising event where about K230,000 was raised.

Simba intend to raise about K1.8 million to make the trip a reality.

The team’s captain, Trinity Chilembwe, said the fundraising tournament would be held on Saturday and Sunday where a number of activities have been lined up.

“We need more fundraising events to help us get close to our target.

We were also impressed by patronage of the people who came to support us as we did not have a lot of time to advertise the event due to other circumstances. We are now planning a two-day hockey tournament.

We will play against other hockey teams and there will be food and drinks for sale,” she said.

Chilembwe said the trip was important because the team needs to get international exposure and experience to learn how hockey is played in other countries.

“This will be a learning opportunity for Simba. We intend to leave on January 27 and return on January 30,” she said.

It is the first time that Simba will be travelling to Zimbabwe.

“We are looking forward to the trip. There’s a lot of excitement about prospects of going outside the country and playing against other teams. Even though it’s just a friendly tournament that we are going for, we expect to win and leave our mark in Zimbabwe. It will also help boost the team confidence as we head into the FMB league which starts mid-May,” she said.

Simba have built a strong reputation, having finished as champions for the FMB 11-Aside Hockey League. They also finished third in the FMB 6-Aside Hockey League.

Meanwhile, Chilembwe has appealed for support. “Any form of support towards this trip will be greatly appreciated. Our account number for those who would like to make a donation is 5200505001. Account name is Simba Hockey Club and the bank is FMB Victoria Avenue Branch. Well-wishers should also support the tournament because there will be plenty of food and drinks. Those with kids can bring them as well as we intend to have jumping castles and the like for the little ones,” she said.

Malawi Queens and Blue Eagles Sisters goal shooter, Joyce Mvula, who is on a seven-month loan deal to Manchester Thunder, has revealed that she was inspired by compatriot Mwawi Kumwenda.

Mwawi, who is Malawi’s first netball export, has had stints in New Zealand and Australia. Currently, Mwawi plays for Melbourne Vixens of Australia.

Mvula, speaking before departure for England at Kamuzu International Airport on Wednesday, said she was determined to raise Malawi’s flag having been inspired by Mwawi.

“I learnt a lot from Mwawi and she has always been a source of inspiration, being Malawi’s first professional netball player. She has been supportive,” she said.

Mvula also disclosed that she did not rest during the festive period because she wanted to remain in shape ahead of the move because she did not want to disappoint the nation.

She also hailed her family members and Blue Eagles for supporting the move.

“I am told that issues concerning transfer fees will not matter at the moment as they want to help me settle in England and eventually earn a long term deal after the expiry of this contract. My relatives have also been supportive and I promise that I will not disappoint them,” she said.

Mvula has replaced Jamaican player, Marvadene Anderson, who failed to complete the move due to visa issues.

Jamaica’s Anderson, a 6ft11in shooter, was forced to withdraw from representing Thunder, who moved swiftly to snap up Mvula instead.

Mvula, 22, has represented Malawi at various levels and she was a key member of the senior team when they finished third at Fast Five Netball World Series in Melbourne, Australia.

Recently, Thunder Coach, Karen Greig, told an online publication, www.manchesterthunder.com, that Mvula is an exciting shooter who has great physical capabilities and ability to play both goal shooter and goal attack.

Pundits have described Mvula as a dynamic shooter who is quick and flexible, and is sure to fit into the Black and Yellows squad which is a mix of youth and experience.

Lawn Tennis Association of Malawi (LTAM) has told senior players to forget about taking part in international tournaments if they fail to source their own funding.

LTAM General Secretary, Stan Kaunda, made the remarks following a request from senior players to consider funding their participation in international competitions outside the country.

“All over the world, senior players source their own sponsorship to travel and compete in international competitions. Similarly, our senior players must source funding elsewhere if they want to travel and compete in other countries,” he said.

Kaunda said LTAM can only assist the players by backing their sponsorship hunt.

Nevertheless, Kaunda said this year, the association intends to organise three tournaments for the seniors to keep players fit ahead of the Malawi Open Tennis Championship.

“Our mandate, currently, is to run local seniors’ tournaments as well as the Malawi Open. In the meantime, we are discussing with three companies to bankroll three seniors’ tournaments to keep our players in shape before the Malawi Open,” he said.

Senior player, Ronald Kandulu, blamed LTAM for operating without a vision.

“It is true indeed that we are supposed to find our own resources for international competitions. However, I feel that the association has no vision because if they had a strategic plan, they should have sorted this issue long time ago. What is the issue of grooming junior players when you cannot provide adequate seniors’ competitions?” he quizzed.

Kandulu warned that it would take ages for local players to win the men’s section of the Malawi Open.

“We rarely compete in the country and we don’t travel to other countries. Under such circumstances, where do you think we will get exposure to battle against the best? The only time we can win the men’s section of the Malawi Open is when we don’t have serious foreign participants,” he said

After enduring a trophy-less 2016 season, Tigresses have vowed to bounce back strongly next season.

Tigresses saw their slim chance of defending the Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League disappear after losing 49-28 to Kukoma Diamonds at Blantyre Youth Centre on Saturday.

Diamonds have won all national trophies and the regional showpiece to complete a remarkable season, surpassing their sponsor, Capital Oil Refining Industries’ expectations.

Despite the defeat, Tigresses Coach, Peace Chawinga-Kalua, took some positives from the match as youthful players, such as Amewa Chikaonda, impressed during the game.

“We realised before the match that even if we win, our chances of retaining the league were very slim as we had to depend on other teams. So, we did not call up our five senior players. Our aim was to give a chance to youngsters to showcase their skills. I am delighted with how they performed. This gives us hope that we will return strongly next season,” she said.

Kalua also attributed their slump in form towards the end of the second round, to a pro-longed season.

“If you look at Netball Association of Malawi’s calendar, it shows that the season was supposed to end in October. So, from that period, our budget was stretched and we lost form. No wonder, we lost some games which we could not have lost under normal circumstances,” she said.

The former Malawi Queens’ Coach and skipper said Tigresses will fundraise to fulfill their assignments next season.

“We hope the netball calendar will be followed so that our budget should not be disturbed. Otherwise, it becomes expensive to maintain players at the hostel, and also call up our senior players from their bases, especially the Northern Region,” she said.

Thunder Queens have set their eyes on the runners-up slot in the Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League.

The league winds up on Saturday at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC) with three fixtures lined up.

In the match of the day, Thunder will meet champions-in-waiting, Kukoma Diamonds.

Currently, sitting on second position with 45 points, Thunder need a draw to seal the second place.

A loss for Thunder will see Tigresses occupying the slot on baskets’ difference.

Tigresses are on third position with 42 points, and if they defeat Alliance Capital Stars and Thunders lose, they will finish as runners-up.

Thunder Coach, Christina Mkwanda- Nsinji, said they were confident ahead of their tie against Diamonds.

“We know it is possible. It took us several years to defeat Tigresses and we can do the same against Diamonds. Despite financial challenges, we know that we can do better. Every player is determined to prove that we are a transformed side,” she said.

Tigresses Coach, Peace Chawinga-Kalua, admitted that the team’s prospect of finishing on second place was not in their hands.

Tigresses will need the favour of Diamonds beating Thunder.

“Nevertheless, we will play our game and we won’t concentrate on our opponent’s game,” she said.

Diamonds’ Physical Fitness Trainer, Griffin Saenda Jnr, said they wanted to finish the season with an unbeaten record and collect 54 points.

“This means that we will treat the match against Thunder like any other match,” he said.

Before the two crucial games, Shizaella Queens will take on Prison Sisters.

Former Nyasa Big Bullets’ Supporters’ Committee chairperson, Isaac Osman, has declared his interest in challenging the People’s Team’s incumbent top fan Stone Mwamadi in the elections set for February 4.

Ironically, Mwamadi rose from vice-chairperson to Chairperson after Super League of Malawi had suspended Osman due to a violence-related incident.

Osman was slapped with a one-year ban after he was found guilty of taking part in violence during a TNM Super League match between Bullets and Epac in Lilongwe in 2014.

Declaring his candidature, Osman said some quarters within the Bullets’ family approached him to contest.

“I have since joined the race because most are saying they will work with Stone. This is a democratic nation and there is nothing wrong with me joining the race. He is my friend and we both love the team. I just want to give our fans a variety. I will outline my manifesto soon,” he said.

Mwamadi has since welcomed Osman’s interest, saying he is not disturbed.

“It is not surprising that most people that would have challenged me have opted to work with me by vying for other positions. This only shows that I have done enough for this team. Anyway, I welcome his [Osman’s] candidature and may the best win,” he said.

Bullets’ supporters will go to the polls, a week after holding an annual general meeting that is expected to determine the future of the main executive committee’s elections.

Malawi Netball Queens are stuck on position six in the world following recent rankings which the International Netball Federation (INF) released on Tuesday.

According to INF’s website, www.netball.org, top-10 teams in the world have maintained their positions.

Australia continue to rule the netball world with New Zealand maintaining their second slot whereas England lie third.

Jamaica have also kept their fourth position.

The Queens’ rivals, South Africa, are the top ranked team in Africa having maintained their fifth-place in the world.

The ranking took into account matches played up to December 11 2016.

The ranking list relates to senior teams of member countries that are playing regular international test matches.

Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) General Secretary, Carol Bapu, said there was need for a policy and effort to keep the Queens active if they are to break into position top-four.

“If we can be playing test matches I am sure that we can break into the top-three. During the Fast5 Netball World Series, the team showcased its potential that it can be in the top-five. All we need is support from all stakeholders to make sure that the team is active throughout to gain more points,” she said.

Malawi won bronze at the Fast5 Netball World Series but the competition is not factored in the rankings.

National Light Welterweight champion, Salimu Chazama, has come out of his shell three weeks after winning the title following his victory over Osgood Kayuni.

Chazama, 22, said he was still bitter that he did not knockout Kayuni during the 12-round title contest at M1 Centre Point in Lilongwe on January 1.

“I was quiet because I had to recuperate. It was a gruelling bout. I am glad because I got the belt, but I am still bitter because I did not knockout Kayuni,” he said.

Chazama said he would welcome a title rematch if Kayuni makes his challenge official.

“I have unfinished business with him. So, if he really wants the belt, he can challenge me. I will be more than happy to accept it. I still want to give my fans what I promised them [a knockout],” he said.

Kayuni was elusive when asked if he would seek a rematch against Chazama.

“Salimu has some three months to keep the belt, so we will see what happens at the end of the three months,” he said.

Kayuni, 32, has won 28 times, including nine knockouts, three draws and six defeats.

Chazama has fought 27 bouts, winning 21, losing four times and drawing twice.

Battle of pride and honour will take centre stage this afternoon as Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League season winds up.

Champions-in-waiting Kukoma Diamonds are set to hoist the trophy moments after dating Thunder Queens at Blantyre Youth Centre.

In an equally important match, deposed champions Tigresses will take on Alliance Capital Stars.

Attention is on Tigresses and Thunder, who are vying for the second slot.

Thunder, currently lie on second place with 45 points, and they only need a draw against Diamonds to seal the slot whereas Tigresses are third with 42 points.

Tigresses must beat Alliance Capital Stars and hope for Thunder’s loss so as to finish as runners-up on a superior baskets’ difference.

Thunder Coach, Christina Mkwanda- Nsinji, said winning was their ultimate mission today.

“If this means spoiling Diamonds’ party we will do so. We have good players and they are also waiting for this match to prove that our recent good form is not by fluke,” she said.

Nsinji will rely on shooter Chikumbutso Banda, centre Thandie Galeta, wing attacker Pilirani Msukwa and goal-defender Joanna Kachilika.

Diamonds Coach, Griffin Saenda, insisted that his side does not want to spoil their celebrations with a loss.

“We don’t care what happens to others. It will not make any sense for us to lose the last match,” he said.

Diamonds’ versatile defender, Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, has been a key figure ever since skipper Caroline Mtukule- Ngwira went on a sabbatical.

The likes of goal attacker, Jessica Mazengera-Sanudi, shooter Grace Chazungulira and centre Bridget Kumwenda have been influential for the champions.

Tigresses Coach, Peace Chawinga- Kalua, speaking after their 49-28 loss to Diamonds last week, was confident that they would finish on second position.

In another match, Shizaella Queens will take on Prison Sisters.

Information Communication Technology Association of Malawi (Ictam) has challenged innovators to set up their own business enterprises to help the country reduce unemployment figures, especially among the youth.

Ictam President, Wisely Phiri, made the call in Blantyre after an awards ceremony where the Association recognised individuals and companies that have excelled in ICT related innovations.

About 10 individuals were recognised for coming up with innovations that have benefitted various sectors such as agriculture, health, environment, education and manufacturing.

“It must be noted here that our goal with this initiative is to give a platform to the innovators in ICT to interface with the business and the policy makers. We are equally excited to see these innovators start their own start-ups or even get employed if that is what they want but we would like to see more development towards this area. We would like to give platform to these innovators to pitch their ideas and get business as in so doing they can start their companies and employ more people,” he said.

Phiri said the awards were on merit as a panel of judges scrutinised all the submitted projects and came up best entries in all the 14 categories.

“Those who were shortlisted were then called to pitch their ideas to the judges and the audience at the ICT Innovation Conference in Mangochi who had time to appreciate their innovations and asked questions and from their they were able to score them according to their various ideas and the impact each project has towards the development of our communities in different disciplines,” he said.

Phiri said for the corporate categories, the judges looked at the impact of the selected innovations from different corporates for development of country. Those who won were given awards in appreciation of their contributions whereas Sparc Systems who were one of the sponsors of the programme awarded K100,000 to the winner in each category.

Samba Women Hockey Team will travel to Zimbabwe by public transport after failing to raise enough money for hiring a bus.

The team, which will leave tomorrow for friendly games in Zimbabwe, failed to raise K1.7 million for the trip.

The team’s captain, Trinity Chilembwe, confirmed the change in their travel plans.

“We ran out of time to raise the K1.7 million, so we have decided to just use the coaches that go to Zimbabwe,” she said.

Chilembwe added that the friendlies were important for the team’s international exposure.

“Even though we do not have enough money, we felt that we should still go to learn from our counterparts, and this will benefit the rest of the teams,” she said.

Simba are traveling to Zimbabwe for the first time.

Simba finished as champions for the FMB 11-Aside Hockey League and third in the FMB 6-Aside Hockey League.

Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) has unveiled plans to introduce amateur boxing in the country.

This follows the recent migration of some boxers from board to a new professional boxing committee operating under the Malawi Amateur Boxing Association (Maba).

The two bodies have been at loggerheads as they compete to bring the country’s prominent boxers under their control.

In a press statement dated 24th January, 2017, MPBCB said the introduction of amateur boxing follows developments in the wider boxing community.

“The ABU/WBC especially in response to AIBA’s move, has mandated affiliated organisations under it to also organize and run amateur boxing.

As such, boxing clubs registered under MPBCB are now also allowed to train amateur boxers. Further note that currently under the auspices of the ABU an international amateur tournament will soon be organized and this is being championed by the South African Boxing Federation,” read the statement in part.

MPBCB President, Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba said the body was formed in 2014 and is duly recognized in Malawi.

Zimba said MPBCB is affiliated to the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the African Boxing Union (ABU) which gives it a big stage for exposing its boxers.

“The recent visit by the ABU President/WBC Vice President Houcine Houichi to the ABU convention held in the country from 11th to 13th May 2016 attests to this fact.

We also have a copy of letter of confirmation of status from the Malawi National Council of Sports attached to show that we are recognized. So people should not doubt our credentials,” he said.

Zimba insisted that MPBCB is the only professional boxing body in Malawi affiliated to the ABU and WBC.

“Therefore, boxers registered with another professional boxing body in Malawi are not eligible to fight for titles under ABU and WBC.

Further to this, boxers registered under the new professional boxing body are not allowed to fight against boxers registered with bodies that are affiliated to ABU/WBC both locally and outside the country,” he said.

All-conquering Kukoma Diamonds ended the 2016/2017 season with a perfect record of 42 straight wins in their quest to equal or even beat Tigresses’ unbeaten run of 71 games.

Tigresses, under the tutelage of Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa, won 71 straight games in the 2014/2015 season to dominate local netball by sweeping all regional and national trophies.

Tigresses’ cause was aided by having an extended edition of the GOtv Netball Champions League which saw teams competing on a Fast5 Format in three preliminary rounds.

In bid to get even with Tigresses’ record, Diamonds won the last edition of the GOtv Netball Champions League after excelling in 12 games during the competition in 2015.

Diamonds managed to extend the run during the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Presidential Cup which were all played within 2016.

The 2015 edition was played early last year whereas the 2016 edition was staged in December last year.

In each of the two editions, they registered six wins on their way to victory-winning a total of 12 games.

Diamonds also went on to win six matches to lift the Airtel Money National Netball Trophy.

The dominant Diamonds recorded 18 wins to dethrone Tigresses in the Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League contest.

However, Diamonds benefitted from a boardroom decision to dodge defeat following incidents with Mulanje-based Chitakale Sisters. Chitakale reported for the first round match whereas Diamonds failed to pitch up on the understanding that the match had been postponed.

Later, Chitakale boycotted the match after league officials rescheduled the game.

The league eventually awarded points to Diamonds after Chitakale stood their ground in not honouring the rescheduled fixture.

Diamonds Physical Fitness Trainer, Griffin Saenda Jnr, said it was possible to reach the 100 games mark with a perfect record.

“I believe we can go as far as 100 games without a loss. With our current form, I am sure we have the endurance to go all the way. We managed to win 12 games in two editions of the Presidential Cup. We won 12 games in the GOtv Champions League and six in the Airtel Money Trophy, as well as 18 in the Rainbow Paints league. This adds up to 42. So if we continue like this, we can make it to 100 games,” he said.

Saenda, who is slowly following the footsteps of his father in netball circles, said Diamonds have quality players to sustain and extend their perfect record.

“The good thing is that the players are united and work hard to be in the starting team. However, I should also acknowledge the fact that the sponsorship we get from Capital Oil Refining Industries also helps the team to prepare well for events,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tigresses Coach, Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa, has vowed that her charges will bounce back strongly next season to reclaim all trophies.

One team that can easily win the most improved team of the year award is Thunder Queens.

The team managed to qualify for the finals of the last Presidential Cup in Lilongwe against the odds.

This was at the expense of well-established sides like Blue Eagles, Civonets and Tigresses.

Thunder Queens Coach, Christina Mkwanda-Nsinji, said the side would also be gunning for silverware next season.

Fide Master, Gerald Mphungu, underlined his class when he became the champion of the inaugural Stitches Boutique Southern Region Chess League (SRCL) Tournament at Steers Garden in Blantyre on Sunday.

Mphungu collected six points having won six of the seven games to beat closest challengers.

It was a tight contest that saw Joseph Nyambalo, a Candidate Master, tying on 5.5 points each with Davie Mfiti.

Arbiters had to use Buchholz Tie-Break System to separate the duo.

At the end, Nyambalo finished on second position with Mfiti settling for third place.

Mphungu said winning the championship was a better way to start the year.

“I had to win to show my opponents what they should expect from me this year. I am now motivated and I believe that my opponents have received my message. They should be fighting for other positions,” he said.

Mphungu received K40,000 where as Nyambalo pocketed K30,000 while Mfiti got K20, 000.

In the ladies’ section, Ellen Mpinganjira was the winner with Margaret Ngugama finishing as runner-up.

The pair also tied at two points each but they were also separated by the tie-breaker. Mpinganjira went away with K10,000.

Southern Region Chess League (SRCL) Chairperson, Wasoka Chirwa, said the tournament was timely as it helped the players to be active.

“We were on break and now our season has started. On behalf of the committee, I thank Stitches Boutique for sponsoring the tournament. I also ask individuals and companies to emulate what Stitches Boutique has done,” he said.

Stitches Boutique Marketing Executive, Mphonyana Macheso, said they were impressed with the performance of players and how the committee handled the tournament.

“Our management will definitely evaluate the whole tournament so that we should return bigger and better,” she said.

Female boxer, Anisha Basheer, has started camp training in Blantyre ahead of her African Boxing Union (ABU) welterweight contest against an unnamed Kenyan opponent.

“I have started my preparations earlier because my stable wants me to be in shape before the contest. This is the fight of my life. I want to do well,” she said.

The Lilongwe-based boxer has a poor record and needs to improve her performance to win the belt.

Basheer lost five fights in arrow before winning three in a row to start improving her record.

Basheer said she was sparring with male boxers.

“I learn a lot when I spar with the likes of Israel Kam’mwamba and Limbani Masamba. I believe that in a month or so, I will be in top form,” she said.

Meanwhile, Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board President, Lonzoe ‘Defector ’ Zimba, has drummed up support for Basheer.

“The reputation of the nation will be at stake, so we need stakeholders to support her so that she can win,” he said.