The Lions Club of Blantyre has raised K1.4 million ahead of a fundraising golf tournament set for Game Haven at Bvumbwe in Thyolo District on Saturday.

The organisation is fundraising for the construction of Namikasi Day Secondary School girls’ hostel at Lirangwe in Blantyre- Rural.

Seasoned golfer, Tarang Makhecha, who is also the club’s member, said TNM and GPY have bankrolled five teams each at K500,000.

“[The] response has been phenomenal and we are hoping to surpass the two-million mark. Registration of a team of two players is at K100,000. We are excited with the gesture which TNM and GPY have shown,” he said.

The cost of the project is estimated at K75 million.

The Lions Club International has pledged to finance 75 percent of the project on condition that the Lions of Club of Blantyre should first raise the 25 percent.

“As I earlier indicated, this fundraising drive is targeting the 25 percent cost of the project so that we can unlock the funding from Lions Club International,” he said.

Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Technical Director, John Kaputa, has warned inactive coaches that they risk being sidelined from advanced coaching courses.

Kaputa was commenting on the prospect of Malawi hosting the next Caf A and B licence courses.

“Basically, this is the year of monitoring and evaluation of how Caf A and Caf B holders are performing. So, we will not have any Caf A or Caf B course this year,” he said.

Kaputa said the next Caf B course will be held in 2018 with the Caf A scheduled for 2019.

“To begin with, we need to know how many coaches with either Caf A or Caf B badges are active. Those that are active will be considered for a higher level course. In this case, a Caf B holder will be earmarked for Caf A course whereas the ones with Caf A shall be considered for a professional badge,” he explained.

“Before sidelining those that are inactive, we will investigate why they are idle. We need to know whether they are not being offered jobs or otherwise. We will then make a determination if counselling is needed or recommend them somewhere.”

Issues surrounding Caf A and B holders continue to stir debate after Fam set Caf-B Licence as a minimum qualification for Super League head coaches.

FMB has called on eight zones, that are battling for the bank’s sponsored Under-20 Youth Football League’s three slots, to vote in large numbers.

FMB Marketing Manager, Widdey Nsona, has made the call ahead of the closure of the voting for the ‘Expose the talent in your area’ promotion on Sunday.

“Let me reiterate that everyone is entitled to one vote and it does not matter where they are, they can vote for the district of their choice. Voters do not have to be FMB customers,” Nsona said.

“They just have to be soccer lovers who follow our league. Voters simply have to send a text or Whatsapp message to 0886 449 198 and indicate the district of their choice. The message should start with ‘First Mobile’ and then the name of the district (location) they want to vote for to qualify for the promotion draw.”

Voters stand a chance to win prizes such as airtime, FMB-branded caps, bottle openers and key holders.

Eight locations—Liwonde (Machinga) and Mulanje in the Southern Region, Kasungu, Salima, Mponela (Dowa) and Dwangwa (Nkhotakota), in the Central Region and Mzimba/ Rumphi in the Northern Region have been earmarked for the votes.

The zone with the most votes will be included in the league. So far over 4,000 votes have been registered.

National Youth Football Association (NYFA) Chairperson, Chimango Munthali, has since assured that the voting process will be transparent.

The league has produced gems such as Isaac Kaliyati and Gerald Phiri Junior.

Malawi netball legend, Mary Waya, is among six coaches Civonets have earmarked for the post of head coach.

Civonets Assistant Coach, Whyte Mulilima, former Civonets shooter, Sibongile Moyo and Civonets Team Manager, Theresa Chipolopolo, have also been shortlisted for the interviews.

The post fell vacant following the death of Connis Mhone last January.

Initially, the interviews were scheduled for last week but they were shifted them due to logistical requirements.

Civonets Chairperson, Matilda Chibwe, though reluctant, confirmed to have shortlisted six coaches, including Waya, for the interviews.

“Of course, we have shortlisted some coaches, including Mary Waya,

Mulilima, our team manager and Sibongile for the interviews which will be held later this month,” she said.

Waya said Civonets have not contacted her about the interviews.

“It is news to me. Anyway, I will comment when they officially approach me,” she said.

Currently, Waya coaches Southern Region netball side, Alliance Capital Stars.

Most netball teams have opted to play a low profile on their potential transfer targets ahead of the new season.

Interestingly, most teams have differed on whether to sign experienced or youthful players.

However, Kukoma Diamonds have made it clear that they wanted to sign two top players, including Tigresses and Malawi Netball Queens’ all-rounder, Lauren Ngwira.

Thunder Queens Coach, Christina Mkwanda-Nsinji, said they were targeting five players from a Northern Region side.

“We agreed terms with two defenders, a centre court player and two attackers. Once we get funding, we will call them. Lack of funds is affecting our side,” she explained.

“We have opted for youthful players for the sake of the future. I cannot disclose their names because other teams will also be after them.”

Civonets Assistant Coach, Whyte Mulilima, said they were looking for four experienced players.

“I think, alongside Thunder Queens, we were the most improved team last season. So, if we are to improve, we need a bit of experience so as to aim for at least a national trophy,” he said.

Still in Lilongwe, Blue Eagles Sisters Head Coach, Sam Kanyenda, intends to beef up the squad with developmental players.

“Since we have not finalised discussions, it would be difficult for me to disclose their identities. Once we get close to the throw-off of the league, we will be able to do so,” he said.

Oftentimes, the domestic netball transfer window passes quitely.

Renowned golfer, Gabriel Kambale, shed no sweat to lift the Blantyre Sports Club closed championship following the absence of opponents in the division.

Kambale, playing off handicap four, posted 161 strokes during the two-day championship that ended on Sunday at Blantyre venue.

The absence of the players was a concern to the organisers. Nonetheless, Kambale said he was happy to win.

“This was the easiest Blantyre closed championship I have ever played because there was no competition or anything. As you can see, we have more people in division A but few people in championship division,” he said.

Kambale, who is a former Golf Union of Malawi (GUoM) President, said he was worried with the shrinking number of golfers in the main division.

BSC Golf Captain, Sam Mwale, said they would sensitise golfers on the need for improving their handicap.

“Despite the setback in championship division, the tournament was successful because we had 48 golfers. You should remember that it was a closed event and it is on the calendar of Golf Union of Malawi. It might interest you to know that we are the only club that has managed to hold the event,” he said.

During the championship, Eric Kazembe, with 178 strokes, won the B division title whereas Honest Chirwa was second with 179 strokes. Davlin Chokazinga finished third with 185 strokes.

Adril Guarino won the A division championship with 169 strokes while Levi Kapito was second with 167 strokes. Lester Tandwe scored 170 stokes to finish on third position.

Paul Araujo hit the longest ball on hole number two whereas Guarino celebrated a memorable weekend after also winning the nearest to the pin on hole number one.

The T20 Inter Cricket League is back in the Southern Region with 10 teams registered, the league’s coordinator, Saeed Limdawala, has confirmed.

“We are still courting potential sponsors and if we get one or two, we will be delighted,” he said.

“Otherwise, we are happy that teams have still registered for the competition because they know the significance of the competition towards the development of the sport.”

During the opening week, Oriental Cricket Club defeated MSC Grey whereas MCS Silver humbled Mpingwe Brown.

In the first game, Grey made 86 runs and were all-out in 20-overs. In reply, Oriental made those runs in just 16.1 overs.

In the second game, MSC Silver made 196 in 20 overs with Mubassir Amij contributing 77 runs whereas Minhaz Patel had 45 and Sajid Kaka supplied 27 for Silver.

In another game, Mpingwe Orange defeated MSC Blue by 72 runs.

Fixture for Sunday

MSC v OCC,

MSC Grey v MSC Brown

Msc gold v Msc green

Mpingwe White v Lankans occ

MSC Orange v Msc Yellow

Boxing star Wilson Masamba has pleaded for understanding over his dramatic return to the Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board from the Malawi Boxing Association (Maba).

The switch is a calculated move for Masamba who is eyeing a possible African Boxing Union’s 12-round super middle weight fight against South African, Kaizer Mabuza, on June 23 in Maputo, Mozambique.

The Malawi Defence Force boxer said he u-turned to avoid suffering mental torture his colleague Mussa Ajibu endured recently when he fought against Nigerian Olanreweaju Duirodola for the World Boxing Organisation-Africa cruiserweight title fight in Accra, Ghana.

“I hope people will understand my decision. I know that Maba is recognised by the government but I feel that it is yet to establish ties with international bodies such as the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association to clear boxers easily. It for this reason that I don’t want to go through what Mussa experienced,” he said.

Ironically, his manager, Gladwell Yohane, who is also Maba’s Pro-Boxing Vice Chairperson, said Masamba was yet to brief him about the switch.

“He just indicated that he might return to the board. As his manager and Vice Chairperson of the professional boxing committee, we are still waiting for official communication. Otherwise, we will not force him to stay. We feel that he just wants to use us,” he said.

The board’s spokesperson, Frank Chibisa, said they had welcomed Masamba back.

“He has been vocal against the board but as a parent, we have given him another chance. Remember, we recently organised a seminar in Lilongwe where we enlightened boxers on our role and international affiliations. We want boxers to make informed decisions. We can bend the rules now but they will always return to haunt us,” he said.

Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) has re-introduced the ladies section for the Mdina International Chess Championship scheduled for Crest Ilala Lodge in Mzuzu from August 24 to 27.

Chessam Publicity Secretary, Makhosi Nyirenda, confirmed that the sponsor had nodded to the inclusion of the ladies’ category in the championship.

“Programmes to improve ladies’ chess have been set from the grassroots. For instance, the introduction of chess in schools is the greatest step towards the improvement of ladies chess,” he said.

Ellen Mpinganjira, the only lady participant in last year’s competition, has since welcomed the ladies’ section.

“Being the only lady playing at the last Mdina Open was so challenging and fun at the same time. But I could see that having no separate ladies’ category really affected the numbers of ladies,” she said.

Malawi’s international, Daisy Nkhoma, said she felt demotivated by the recent exclusion of the ladies’ section.

Malawi’s best female player, Linda Jambo, said she was excited with the revival of the section.

“You know ladies chess is still developing. It is better for us to play in our own category,” she said.

It is a double celebration in the FMB Under-20 Youth Football League following the increase of sponsorship from K20 million to K24 million and the addition of three districts.

Rumphi, Kasungu and Mulanje districts have, through a vote, joined the youth league, which comprises Blantyre, Mangochi, Zomba, Mchinji, Dedza, Lilongwe, Nkhata- Bay, Karonga and Mzuzu districts.

Speaking during the pre-launch cocktail at the bank’s headquarters in Blantyre on Wednesday evening, FMB Group General Manager, Corporate and Commercial Banking, Phillip Madinga, said they had made strides since they started supporting the league in 2009 at K4 million.

“Our league has made leaps and bounds. We have visible results. We have a whole list of players that we can claim as our very own products,” he said while warning players against ill-discipline.

Football Association of Malawi (Fam) President, Walter Nyamilandu, asked other institutions to emulate FMB’s gesture.

“It is not easy to cough K24 million for a youth league. We need others to follow this path to help us have a strong base,” he said.

National Youth Football Association (NFYA) Chairperson, Chimango Munthali, said the additional three districts and the increase in the sponsorship was encouraging.

The league will be launched early next month in Kasungu after the three districts collected most votes during the ‘Expose the talent in your area’ campaign.

Speaking earlier during the draw for the voters, FMB Head of Marketing, Slyvia Mataka, said they were impressed with how soccer fans supported the initiative through the bank’s ‘Zili m’manja’.

During the draw, 125 people won prizes such as money, branded T-shirts, cloth, caps and opener rings.

At 49, Joyce Mataka of Ndirande Township in Blantyre is disturbed and unsettled by reports that Kamuzu Stadium will be closed due to safety concerns.

For over 10 years, Mataka has been plying her seasonal small scale business at the stadium, selling players and officials food stuffs such as bananas, oranges, mangoes and groundnuts.

The worry of the mother of four and a granny of four is also a concern of football giants, Nyasa Big Bullets and their rivals, Be Forward Wanderers and the entire soccer fraternity within and around the commercial city—Blantyre.

Mataka is worried that once the stadium is closed down, her business will collapse. It is without doubt that Mataka’s livelihood relies on the facility which was constructed in 1958.

“Akufuna kutipha bwanji. Business yathu imadalira anthu womwe amabwera ku stadium kuno kudzaonera masewero. Ngakhale tsiku la training ya timu ife zathu zimayenda. Boma linakayamba kukonza bwalo la BAT kuti masewero azichitika kumeneko kenaka kuzakonzanso bwalo la Kamuzu. [Do they want us to seffer?” she said.

“Our business relies on the sales we make during match-days and training days. The government should have first renovated BAT Ground so that games should be played there and then finalise renovations at Kamuzu Stadium.”

Mataka is among several people that make a living out of the stadium.

If Mataka’s concerns are anything to go by, then Bullets and Wanderers are equally troubled as they use the venue for their home games.

Time and again, the giants claim that they spend a lot whenever they travel to play at Zomba, Balaka and Kalulu stadiums.

Whenever the government threatens to close down the stadium due to safety concerns, the two giants always connive and run an underground campaign to have the venue re-opened.

From an estimated 50,000 seating capacity, five stands were cordoned off due to cracks.

Following that, the capacity was reduced to around 22,000.

Recently the Minister of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development, Henry Mussa, insisted that the stadium can still host games while waiting for a proper assessment.

However, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) during the week condemned the stadium as unfit for hosting games.

Fam General Secretary, Alfred Gunda, confirmed that a report has been submitted to all stakeholders following a recent inspection of match venues.

He said the artificial turf of the Blantyre stadium expired hence puts players at risk.

“All stakeholders, including the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) were waiting for the final report on the venues that are going to be used next season and we have submitted it to them,” Gunda said.

A source at the ministry doubted if the venue would be closed this season, citing the absence of official communication as an indicator that the venue would be available for Super League and cup games.

“If there was an official communication then Kamuzu Stadium should not have hosted those friendly games after the minister had directed for the closure of the venue. The absence of an official letter gives room to Kamuzu Stadium management to entertain events including friendly games,” the source said.

Kamuzu Stadium, manager Ambilike Mwaungulu, declined to comment about the facility.

Director of Sports in the ministry [of sports], Jameson Ndalama, could neither confirm nor deny whether an official letter directing the closure of Kamuzu Stadium had been sent.

He claimed that he was unaware that some Super League teams, including Wanderers, Silver Strikers and Mafco, had been using the facility since the minister’s earlier directive.

However, Wanderers General Secretary, Mike Butao, last week said it was a non-starter to close the stadium.

“I am not aware of the impending closure of the stadium but personally I do not believe the authorities can close the only stadium in Blantyre when there is not even a semblance of an alternative. I will not comment further about stadium because clubs have never been notified that the stadium is being closed,” he said.

Bullets General Secretary, Albert Chigoga, said the closure of stadium was a setback.

“To begin with, we don’t know whether it is official that Kamuzu Stadium is really going to be closed any soon,” Chigoga explained.

“If it happens, not only our team will be affected, but Blantyre community of football fans will be deprived of football and this will be bad. As a team, we will be traveling a lot from Blantyre therefore we will be spending more money.”

He suggested that it was possible to use the stadium in its present state by putting measures to ensure that fans do not encroach the cordoned off terraces.

Southern Zone Basketball League (Sozobal) Division Two kicked off at Blantyre Youth Centre on Saturday, courtesy of support from the Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS).

During the launch, Firestorms defeated Cobbe 44- 35 to emerge the ceremonial tournament’s champions.

Sozobal Chairperson, Sitabene Malange-Majamanda, said they were hoping for a long-term partnership with MBTS.

“The Malawi Blood Transfusion Services sponsored this tournament so that we can kick off the league. At the same time, as basketballers, we had to show that we have a duty to save lives by donating blood,” she said.

Malange-Majamanda said if the two parties reach an agreement, they will ask MBTS to be erecting tents at match venues for blood donors.

MBTS Senior Nursing Officer, Edith Chimphamba, said the exercise was fruitful.

“During the exercise, we realised that we still need to do more sensitisation programmes to reach out to the youth. Some of the questions which the youngsters were asking gave us an insight into what to do.

“They were asking about the importance of donating blood, the safety of their lives and their status. Our public relations team normally goes to schools for such initiatives and they will definitely work hard to address that,” she said.

Sozobal Development Chairperson, Ronald Mbekeani, hailed the support from well-wishers, including TNM and Bricks senior player, Weluzani Chingota, who was the guest of honour.

TNM donated items that were given to umpires and three-pointer shootout winner. Chingota, as the guest of honour, named the most valuable player and donated K40,000.

New catch, Dave Banda, headed home a late goal to help Nyasa Big Bullets salvage a one-all draw against Red Lions in a friendly match played at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.

With desperation creeping in among Bullets faithful as their team trailed to a Mathews Simbeye’s first-half strike, Banda headed home a Cuthbert Sinetre corner-kick.

Before the equaliser, Lions were solid in defence. However, in the late stages of the game, the visitors tried to slow down the tempo of the game by deploying delaying tactics.

With defeat looking imminent, Bullets Coach, Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan, rested Fischer Kondowe for Mike Mkwate—and the People’s Team’s attacking improved, forcing Lions to retreat.

After the game, Ramadhan and his Lions’ counterpart, Mike Kumanga, said they were satisfied with their charges’ performance.

“We struggled a bit because we were missing six key players. Of course, we played well, particularly in the second-half when we attacked and defended as a unit. We struggled in the first-half in the attacking third because we were playing high balls. Nevertheless, I believe we will deliver this season,” Ramadhan said.

Kumanga said they were determined to avoid last season’s struggles.

“This will be a different season. We just need to work on finishing and improve our concentration. Otherwise, this season we are geared to perform well,” he said.

A field of 78 golfers, including 10 ladies, received a rare treat when they took part in two events, courtesy of Sunbird Hotels and Resorts.

For two months, golfers competed in a match-play format at Blantyre Sports Club whereas others took part in individual stableford format on Monday.

Sunbird Hotels and Resorts also treated the golfers to a buffet during the prize presentation at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre on Monday.

In the main match-play event, Keta Mulwafu and Maya Kalizang’oma emerged champions whereas Sope Kayira and Adrian Guarino were runners-up.

In plate division, Frank Jomo emerged the winner.

In the ladies match-play, Shelon Marques won the title with former Blantyre Sports Club Ladies Golf Section captain, Connie Karuku, finishing on second position.

During the individual stableford event, Roza Mbilizi, playing off handicap 11, lifted the title after posting 38 points while last year’s champion, Lilian Kawaza, ended on second position.

Karuku hit the longest drive on hole two for the ladies section.

In the men’s event, Golf Union of Malawi (GUoM) Vice President, Hudson Kantwanje, won the longest drive on hole 13 whereas Kalizang’oma hit the nearest to the pin on hole 12.

Overall, Harry Mukaka playing off handicap 23, emerged the winner in this section after scoring 38 points while Yohane Mzuza, playing off handicap 16, was counted out to finish on second position.

David Nyirenda, playing off 16 handicap, ended on third position with 37 points while Kantwanje, who was playing off handicap 14, finished on fourth position with 36 points.

During the prize presentation, Sunbird Hotels and Resorts Chief Executive Officer, Yusuf Olela, pledged continue support.

Lawn Tennis Association of Malawi (LTAM) has pleaded for more funding, saying help from the government alone is not enough to develop the sport.

LTAM General Secretary, Stan Kaunda, made the remarks after hosting a tournament at Country Club Limbe in Blantyre over the weekend.

Bolivian Mercia Henne supported the tournament at the Malawi National Tennis Centre located at the club.

Before the tournament, over 30 players underwent a special coaching clinic.

Kaunda said there was need for the corporate world to assist the government in supporting tennis.

He then hailed Henne’s family for supporting the tournament which will run for three weeks.

Henne said they supported the sport after realising that most junior players seldom participate in competitions.

“They hardly play so we decided to pump in something. We also bought 26 pairs of shoes which we distributed to the players. Another reason we decided to support tennis was that we wanted our son [Jayden] to interact with his friends,” she said.

One of the youngsters, George Napoleon, hailed LTAM and Henne for supporting the tournament.

“This is where we are able to practice what we have learnt. It is our dream to compete in national tournaments,” he said.

Out of his busy schedule with surgeries at Blantyre Adventist Hospital, Dr Adril Guarino continues to enjoy the ball-pool master tag after winning the Stansfield Motors golf championship at Blantyre Sports Club (BSC) on Wednesday.

When the BSC Golf Section Vice Captain, Andrew Ngomwa, announced Guarino as the ball-pool expert, the rest of the golfers nodded and clapped hands as the doctor walked to receive his prize.

Guarino, who was playing off handicap 15, shot 23 points to win the championship.

“I was really disappointed that I finished on second place in Sunbird match-play. So, I came here focused to make up for my disappointment and it worked. Of course, when it comes to the nine-hole [ball-pool] competition, if I don’t win, I will always be in it [around the podium ranks],” he said.

Furkan Gani, playing off handicap 12, scored 21 points to finish on second place whereas Levison Kapito finished on third place.

In the ladies section, former BSC Ladies Section Golf Captain, Connie Karuku, emerged the winner while Carol Banda finished on second position.

Karuku, playing off handicap 15, scored 17 points whereas Banda, playing off handicap 18, registered 15 points.

Stansfield General Manager for the South, Mike Khomani, said even though the economy was not conducive, they decided to support golf and interact with their clients.

National Youth Football Association (NYFA) has finalised age vetting ahead of this year’s FMB Under-20 Junior Football League launch at Kasungu Community tomorrow.

NYFA Chairperson, Chimango Munthali, said the age vetting exercise was fruitful.

“We are almost done with vetting in the targeted districts. This year, we expect more competition as we have added three more districts. We wish all the participating teams a successful season and we expect the usual quality football in all the districts,” he said.

Munthali said they have planned exciting activities, including a parade around Kasungu to be followed by a curtain-raiser between Friends of Walter Nyamilandu [Football Association of Malawi-President] versus Friends of Phillip Madinga [FMB Group General Manager, Corporate and Commercial Banking].

Madinga said they were looking forward to the launch.

“As a friendly bank and proud sponsor of this league, we are aware that adding new districts entails that NYFA will require more resources to administer our league, so we increased the sponsorship [from K20 million to K24 million],” he said.

Rumphi, Kasungu and Mulanje have, through a voting system, joined the league which comprises Blantyre, Zomba, Mangochi, Lilongwe, Dedza, Mchinji, Mzuzu, Nkhata Bay and Karonga districts.

SPORTS is a universal language that cuts across all divides and unites people regardless of gender, race, religion or culture.

This is why taking part in various sporting activities, in whatever capacity, has become part of our daily lives. Genderwise, women and men interact in almost all the games. If it is not in playing, it is in administration, officiation or as spectators.

The set up in Malawi is that men and women compete actively in sports codes like athletics, football, volleyball, chess, basketball and swimming — of course in their own categories determined by their gender. In golf, the scenario has been different.

Male players have dominated the game for many years. This has left women feeling left out and believing that they have no role in a game long viewed as men’s. However , the status quo seems to be changing. The ladies are slowly- but surely catching up.

They are taking up the golfing clubs in growing numbers. But the country’s leading female golfers are not happy with the numbers. They still want more ladies to pick up the game.

Their concern stems from membership of female players during tournaments. They argue that women’s turn up at such tournaments is on the lower side in most cases.

True to their observations, women’s participation during this year’s Sunbird matchplay and stableford individual tournaments was at 10 players out of the 78 that registered. On Wednesday, during the Stansfield Motors ballpool, only five women competed out of the 29 players who registered for the tournament.

Top-rated Roza Mbilizi is no stranger to the podium when it comes to golf events and she feels there is need for more ladies to take up the sport.

“It does not feel good that ladies’ numbers in various competitions are not that impressive. This is disappointing but I believe we will get there with time. Those of us who have played golf for some time need to encourage the younger ones to join the game,” said Mbilizi, whose handicap of eleven is the best among ladies in the country.

During the Sunbird golf, Mbilizi won the ladies’ Individual Stableford event after posting 38 points. Another golfer, Shelon Marques, with a handicap of 22, is enjoying the form of her life and said the sport provides opportunities for development.

Marques hailed Sunbird Tourism for introducing a ladies section in match-play, describing the development as motivating to women golfers.

“As a lady golfer, all I can say is that for women out there willing to play golf, there are opportunities in the sport which help the player to progress on the greens and life in general. So if there are some ladies out there wishing to join the sport, they can link up with us and we will offer them support.

“On this note, let me salute Sunbird Tourism for having a different section for female golfers in the match-play event. It was challenging because we have been playing for two months and I played against six opponents. Beating them all is no mean achievement,” she said.

Unheralded Jaco Burger and Bose Kamphulusa emerged Total Malawi Golf champions at Nchalo Sports Club on Saturday.

Burger, playing off handicap 18, scored 45 points to win the men’s title under the scorching sun.

Another member of Nchalo Sports Club, Albert Mkumbwa, settled for second position with 36 points whereas Boniface Ziwalenji finished on third place with 35 points.

Burger received a trophy and a South African Airways return ticket to South Africa.

“I have been playing golf in Malawi for less than 18 months and I will use the ticket to either invite my kids, who are in South Africa, to come and see or I will travel,” he said.

Mkumbwa received a trophy and an IntoSports shopping voucher valued at K200,000 while third-placed Ziwalenji got a trophy and a Superior Express Store voucher worth K45,000.

In the ladies’ section, Kamphulusa underlined her growing reputation after winning the championship with 34 points.

“This is my first time that I have enjoyed my golf here at Nchalo and I am really humbled. I thank my playing partners for encouraging me and Total Malawi for supporting golf,” she said.

Kamphulusa received a trophy and a Game Stores’ shopping voucher worth K250,000.

Doreen Kavala ended on second position with 33 points and she received a trophy plus an IntoSports shopping voucher valued at K180,000.

In a section that involved Total Malawi employees, MacChauncy Mkamanga emerged the winner with 25 points.

Mac Chitatenga won the best front after scoring 20 points whereas Chris Mpanga, with 18 points, won the best back.

Total Malawi Administration and Finance Manager, Martin Msimuko, hailed the golfers for taking part in the competition.

“I will encourage you to fuel at Total Service stations wherever you are going so as to get more than fuel,” he said.

Southern Zone Basketball League (Sozobal) has formulated a five-year strategic plan.

Sozobal Development Chairperson, Ronald Mbekeani, said the plan was meant to woo corporate institutions into the sport and coax youngsters to play basketball.

“We want to start from the base of basketball. For instance, we want to take basketball back to the base. Through the strategic plan, we want to be running [coaching] clinics from under-10 to college basketball. Division Two teams are also included in our programmes to do with the clinics. This will then help us to have a strong base in terms of technical and basketball skills,” he said.

Mbekeani said the plan also provides the pathway which Sozobal Division Two will follow to promote the sponsor’s brand.

“During the launch of Division Two, we teamed up with the Malawi Blood Transfusion Services where they collected blood from well-wishers, including players and officials. Similarly, we will be running tournaments aimed at promoting the brand of a potential sponsor,” he said.

Meanwhile, action in Sozobal’s three divisions is underway.

Bangwe are dictating matters in Division Two with three points. Cobbe top the ladies division with six points whereas, in the men’s senior division, Crazy Warriors, are at the top with seven points.