![Kalua (middle) presents the trophy and cheque to Nkhulande]()
After almost seven years of basketball sponsorship drought, the Northern Zone Basketball League (Nozoball) can now afford a smile with the commitment from G.Y Imports and Exports- the suppliers of ICT equipment, stationery, furniture and sanitaries that they will continue sponsoring basketball in the region.
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![Kalua (middle) presents the trophy and cheque to Nkhulande]()
Kalua (middle) presents the trophy and cheque to Nkhulande[/caption]
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![Kalua (middle) presents the trophy and cheque to Nkhulande]()
Kalua (middle) presents the trophy and cheque to Nkhulande[/caption]
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![Pledged continued sponsorship- Kalua]()
Pledged continued sponsorship- Kalua[/caption]
Managing director of G.Y Imports and Exports Griffin Kalua made the commitment during the prize presentation for the K800,000 G.Y Imports and Exports Nozoball Championship, whose finals were played over the weekend at Katoto Basketball Court in the northern city of Mzuzu.
“We are happy with the way Nozoball has welcomed the sponsorship, the organisation and discipline amongst players and are definitely coming back in a bigger way.
"As a company, our aim is to help in revamping basketball, which used to be second to football while at the same time expressing appreciation for the support we get from basketball players and all our customers,” said Kalua.
Nozoball chairman Vilanji Nkhwazi was all thanks to G.Y Imports and Exports for coming to the league’s rescue.
“I thank God for what has happened. To others, it might look simple thing but considering the state of our country’s economy, this is a big contribution towards the development of basketball here in the north and in Malawi as a whole.
"With the coming in of G.Y Imports and Exports, we expect the teams that disbanded due to lack of sponsorship to be resuscitated," said Nkhwazi.
The Nozoball chair said players from the region had been playing basketball for the love of the sport and that the coming in of G.Y was a big motivation to the players.
Playing in the finals were Nkhulande and Moyale, who reached the final stage after triumphing in a mini-tournament involving top four teams from the Nozoball league.
The league had five teams- Nkhulande, Moyale, Piston, Ekwendeni and Mzuzu University.
Nkhulande, who were top in the league booked their final berth after beating third-placed Pistons while league runners-up Moyale reached the final after defeating fourth-placed Ekwendeni.
All the games were played on best-of-three format, in which winner of two out of three matches played between two teams went through.
The Nkhulande, Moyale final was also decided by a best-of-three contest which started Friday afternoon and finished on Sunday.
During the first game on Friday, Nkhulande defeated Moyale by 58 baskets against 50. Nkhulande repeated victory over Moyale on Sunday beating the soldiers 61-43 in the second contest to emerge champions before the last play-off.
They were presented with K300,000, a trophy, two basketballs and gold medals right after winning the second match. The third tie was reduced to a formality affair, in which some Moyale players featured for Nkhulande with some Nkhulande players playing for Moyale.
Captain for Nkhulande Chimwemwe Chirwa expressed excitement with the victory, saying hard work had paid for his team.
“We have been training Monday to Friday even before we knew about the sponsorship and today is a happy day for us because we have got a reward for our hard work. This sponsorship is a big motivation to us and we are going to work even harder,” said Chirwa.
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![A female rapper entertains the crowd during the final]()
A female rapper entertains the crowd during the final[/caption]
Apart from the team prizes, the sponsors also presented K50,000 to Nkhulande player Patrick Chirwa for emerging Most Valuable Player (MVP).
There was also a Slam Dunk and Three-point shooting competition, which saw Nkhulande’s Peter Simfukwe walking away with K10,000 as the best dunker and Paul Monjeza of Pistons receiving a similar amount after winning the Three-point shooting contest.
The final was spiced up by a friendly match between Pistons and Lilongwe based Brave Hearts, which the Mzuzu side won 45-44.
Recently G.Y Imports and Exports sponsored an All Star National Basketball Championship involving the three basketball zones of Southern Zone Basketball League, Central Zone Basketball League and Nozoball to the tune of K3 million.
Kinnah: Gets Mzuni FC job[/caption]
According to the club Chairperson Albert Harawa, Phiri will be serving as Technical Director for the rest of the season.
Harawa said discussions have been done and what is remaining now is for Kinnah to sign a contract.
The deal will be sealed in few days coming according to Harawa.
Phiri who guided Flames to the historical 2010 African Cup of Nations qualification was fired few months ago at his South Africa's Premier Soccer League side Free State Stars despite serving the team from
relegation.
Mzuni is currently seating on 13th position of the 15 member log table and is at the danger of being relegated.
Malawi beach soccer team[/caption]
Nyamilandu made the pledge after this year's K5 million national beach soccer tournment held at Livingstonia Beach in Salima.
“Beach Soccer is one of the fastest growing sport in the country and if we continue to invest in the sport, Malawi will soon be a force to reckon with,” Nyamilandu said.
The FAM President described this year’s tournament as a big success.
He also pledged continued support to the sport which has potential to put Malawi on the map.
Beach Soccer Malawi (BSM) chairperson Kondwani Gondwe expressed gratitude to FAM for developing the sport.
Nyerere from Nkhata Bay were crowned this year’s K5 million Football Association of Malawi (FAM) National Beach Soccer Cup at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima at the weekend.
Nyerere won all of their three games to register an impressive 100 percent record.
Nyerere received K400 000 and trophy with runners-up Nkopola Lodge getting K200 000 and hosts Sunbird Livingstonia got a K150 000 consolation prize for finishing on third position.
Walter Nyamilandu: FAM outgooing president applying every available tactic to hold on to seat[/caption]
Nyamilandu met FAM Secretary General Suzgo Nyirenda and FAM member James Mwenda in Salima on Saturday where the plan was hatched.
There was a beach tournament at Livingstonia Beach in Salima at the weekend and the trio disguised the event for their meeting.
But when Nyasa Times reporters noticed that the three were nowhere near the event, they, like in a an undercover style, secretly followed the three who were holed up in Nyamilandu’s room 216 at Sunbird Livingstonia Beach Resort.
We saw Nyirenda, clad in his red Flames Replica jersey embodied ‘Malawi’ at the back, carrying Nyamilandu’s bags from his dark grey Toyota Fortuner registration number NB 4411 while Mwenda who was putting on a green Flames replica jersey and Nyamilandu in a black and gold stripped FIFA addidas golf-shirt followed on.
When Nyasa Times reporter secretly positioned himself near the room, it was shocking to learn that the three were planning on rigging the vote using underhand tactics.
“We can just pay the presiding officers and even the police officers on the day so that they help us. How much do you think we can pay them?” asked Nyamilandu in his high-pitched-horse voice.
“I think K200,000 to K300,000 would be enough,” suggested his ‘errand boy’ Nyirenda.
Our plan to listen in and record the whole conversation was botched when our reporter’s phone rung suddenly and this disturbed the trio who stopped talking and Mwenda went outside the room to check what was happening.
Fortunately our reporter managed to duck and perched himself at a place where he could see room 216 but was not within earshot of their clandestine plans.
They stayed in the room for close to three hours with Walter coming in and out to attend to various phone calls.
Mwenda drove back to Lilongwe after the meeting while Nyamilandu spent the night in room 216 and Nyirenda was allocated another room within the Resort.
Insiders also revealed that the police officers who will be paid by the Nyamilandu camp will be used to intimidate supporters of other candidates by accusing them of flimsy charges like being drunk and will be thrown out of the voting hall.
Our sources close to Nyamilandu also revealed that he has put aside a whopping K45 million for the campaign ‘because he has a lot to lose if he does not retain the seat’.
Insiders also said Nyamilandu has managed to ‘silence’ prominent local journalists in the country especially at the two national newspapers, The Nation and The Daily Times as no one dares to report on various financial scandals that have hit FAM in recent years.
Gondwe with some of the medals he has collected during his career[/caption]
Gondwe divulged his plan on Monday, a week after he lifted the Mr. Malawi Bodybuilding Championship crown at Mkango Lodge in Blantyre.
The Mangochi-based man outshone over 20 contestants including his unner-up Yasin ‘Ichocho’ Suwedi and cart home K300 000.
“Weightlifting and bodybuilding have been looked down upon by people in the country despite many benefits the activity can bring to an individual as well as to the nation. People think sports are only
football, netball, boxing and among others. But this is not like that ecause this sport is also fascinating,” he said.
“Currently I am training at Emcee Gym and Fitness Centre, owned by Muhamad Ajusa in Mangochi who is also my promoter. Therefore, I will use this opportunity to invest my time and energy in this sport to
groom young ones who have the passion for it,” stressed Gondwe who also said he will retain the title next year.
He further explained that he will use his title to influence the youth in the district especially girls to continue with their education, saying even sports require educated people.
Silencer: Kangunje[/caption]
Nyirenda made the declaration inside Zodiak radio's TNM Soccer Show on Monday saying it is an honour to Kangunje for his excellent scoring form of vital goals.
Kangunje has this season scored a couple of heart broken goals including the loan goal that won his side the Standard Bank Cup against Mighty Be Forward Wanderers two weeks ago.
According to Nyirenda, Kangunje has scored goals that have silenced several team hence the idea of coming up with the nick name.
Nyirenda who has been in football circles for over four decades and once served as Fam Chief Executive Officer (CEO) also claimed to be the one who nick named former Flames legend Patrick Mabedi as 'General'.
Nyirenda said Mabedi was given the name because of his excellent commands and orders while in the field of play.
Lately, most Malawian players have been given names of players who play in foreign leagues including English Barclays Premier League a development which has received heavy criticism from soccer commentators.
Kalua (middle) presents the trophy and cheque to Nkhulande[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_97755" align="alignright" width="600"]
Kalua (middle) presents the trophy and cheque to Nkhulande[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_97752" align="alignright" width="600"]
Pledged continued sponsorship- Kalua[/caption]
Managing director of G.Y Imports and Exports Griffin Kalua made the commitment during the prize presentation for the K800,000 G.Y Imports and Exports Nozoball Championship, whose finals were played over the weekend at Katoto Basketball Court in the northern city of Mzuzu.
“We are happy with the way Nozoball has welcomed the sponsorship, the organisation and discipline amongst players and are definitely coming back in a bigger way.
"As a company, our aim is to help in revamping basketball, which used to be second to football while at the same time expressing appreciation for the support we get from basketball players and all our customers,” said Kalua.
Nozoball chairman Vilanji Nkhwazi was all thanks to G.Y Imports and Exports for coming to the league’s rescue.
“I thank God for what has happened. To others, it might look simple thing but considering the state of our country’s economy, this is a big contribution towards the development of basketball here in the north and in Malawi as a whole.
"With the coming in of G.Y Imports and Exports, we expect the teams that disbanded due to lack of sponsorship to be resuscitated," said Nkhwazi.
The Nozoball chair said players from the region had been playing basketball for the love of the sport and that the coming in of G.Y was a big motivation to the players.
Playing in the finals were Nkhulande and Moyale, who reached the final stage after triumphing in a mini-tournament involving top four teams from the Nozoball league.
The league had five teams- Nkhulande, Moyale, Piston, Ekwendeni and Mzuzu University.
Nkhulande, who were top in the league booked their final berth after beating third-placed Pistons while league runners-up Moyale reached the final after defeating fourth-placed Ekwendeni.
All the games were played on best-of-three format, in which winner of two out of three matches played between two teams went through.
The Nkhulande, Moyale final was also decided by a best-of-three contest which started Friday afternoon and finished on Sunday.
During the first game on Friday, Nkhulande defeated Moyale by 58 baskets against 50. Nkhulande repeated victory over Moyale on Sunday beating the soldiers 61-43 in the second contest to emerge champions before the last play-off.
They were presented with K300,000, a trophy, two basketballs and gold medals right after winning the second match. The third tie was reduced to a formality affair, in which some Moyale players featured for Nkhulande with some Nkhulande players playing for Moyale.
Captain for Nkhulande Chimwemwe Chirwa expressed excitement with the victory, saying hard work had paid for his team.
“We have been training Monday to Friday even before we knew about the sponsorship and today is a happy day for us because we have got a reward for our hard work. This sponsorship is a big motivation to us and we are going to work even harder,” said Chirwa.
[caption id="attachment_97753" align="alignright" width="356"]
A female rapper entertains the crowd during the final[/caption]
Apart from the team prizes, the sponsors also presented K50,000 to Nkhulande player Patrick Chirwa for emerging Most Valuable Player (MVP).
There was also a Slam Dunk and Three-point shooting competition, which saw Nkhulande’s Peter Simfukwe walking away with K10,000 as the best dunker and Paul Monjeza of Pistons receiving a similar amount after winning the Three-point shooting contest.
The final was spiced up by a friendly match between Pistons and Lilongwe based Brave Hearts, which the Mzuzu side won 45-44.
Recently G.Y Imports and Exports sponsored an All Star National Basketball Championship involving the three basketball zones of Southern Zone Basketball League, Central Zone Basketball League and Nozoball to the tune of K3 million.
Tabitha: Back home with gongs[/caption]
Chawinga, who apart from helping her team Kvarnsveden IK to earn promotion into top league and also won a Golden boot award as top goal scorer after she scored 43 goals , landed at Kamuzu International Airport Thursday with her golden boot and award in her hands.
She was welcomed by her former team DD Sunshine officials and players.
Speaking to Nyasa Times upon arrival, the ever smiling girl described her 2015 season as “great” as she enjoyed a double dose of glory by inspiring her second-tier league side to win the league championship and capped it all by winning the Golden Boot award and earn promotion into the top-flight league.
The dreadlocked former DD Sunshine forward said: “I owe this glory to God.”
Chawinga said Malawi has great potential to make it to the top as she said there are a lot of talented players in the land but only lack exposure and game time.
She then urged National Women’s Football Committee to wake up from their slumber and seek sponsorship for national leagues which can expose the talent and building strong team for the nation.
Last season she also won the Golden Boot award and helped Krokom/Dvarsatt IF win the third-tier league.
Kumwenda poses with Namasimba netball team[/caption]
Malawi netball superstar Mwai Kumwenda has donoted has said she is committed to do charity work after the New Zealand based shooter donated a netball kit, a ball and textbooks worth about K300 000 to Namasimba Primary School in Nancholi, Blantyre
“ Charity is something I have committed to do for the rest of my life,” said Kumwenda, who is currently assisting in coaching at Kukoma Diamonds.
The 26-year-old said she underwent “similar challenges during my childhood.”
Namasimba Primary School head teacher Lonely Nkhoma said Kumwenda has saved the school form shame of “shabbily dressing” during school competitions and that school pupils will now be among the best during examinations thanks to the text books donated by the netball star.
Kumwenda is Africa’s only netballer competing in the ANZ Championship – the world’s most prestigious netball league.
Sad faces for Nomads fans...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
Victor Gondwe, who was named man of the-match, scored a double in 44th and 55th minutes. Lusungu Mwafuliwa scored a late goal in 83rd minute to complete a deserved 3-0 win for Mzuzni.
In a telephone interview with Nyasa Times after the game, Kananji described the result shocking and attributing their loss to complacency among his players.
“I am shocked, you don’t expect it,” he said. “We were too complacency and may be my players thought they had already collected full points before even playing.
“Difficult to understand and will have to look for the reasons.”
The Nomads were outnumbered, out-played and out-fought as they slumped to a surprise 3-0 defeat at in the northern part of Malawi.
The blues midfield didn’t offer enough protection from the impressive midfield play of their opponents.
The presence of newly recruited technical director Kinnah Phiri inspired Mzuni to beat Wanderers, according to club’s coach coach Alex Ngwira.
“We acknowledge the presence of Kinnah who has boosted the players’ morale,” he said.
Mzuni’s win has pushed the to 23 points from 23 games
Wanderers are stuck at 30 points from 20 games.
Mponda: We can surivive relagation[/caption]
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FAM President Walter Nyamilandu : Seeking fourth term[/caption]
The Electoral Committee which is headed by High Court Judge Dingiswayo Madise met Saturday to scrutinise names of all candidates if they met all requirements stipulated in the FAM constitution and FAM Electoral Code
According to inside source the committee has disqualified Yabwanya Phiri on grounds that he is residing outside FAM's territory (Canada) as the constitution says candidates must be residing within FAM territory
Nyasa Times can also reveal that Yabwanya who has been claiming ownership and sponsor of Karonga United is not the owner of the team as the team was founded by one called Mr Mwakhwawa with some people before it joined with vendors from Karonga market and it was called Karonga vendors till 2013 when it earned promotion into TNM Super League.
That is when people from Karonga thought of establishing trustee Committee to look after the welfare of the team. It is at this point when Yabwanya was roped in as a trustee of the team so too with Bishop Simama and Speaker Richard Msowoya.
The committee has also disqualified Paul Mzungu and Hubert Mfune on grounds that they were nominated without sending their profiles (track records) in football as it was also one of the requirement.
It is said the two profiles for them was not sent to the committee by the committees who nominated them as such the Madise led committee couldn't do anything but to disqualify them
Meanwhile, the final list of candidates is expected to be announced after the period of seven days as the committee has written the three notifying them of their disqualification and give them seven days to appeal to FAM Appeals Committee which is headed by Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Lovemore Chikopa
When contacted for his immediate comment from Canada, Yabwanya said he will fight on as he represents the wishes of Malawians and he will not allow to be barred.
"Am just waiting for official correspondence then I will fight on. They have done that to me because am a big threat to Walter than Mijiga. He knows if I stand I will take him out. But for the sake of Malawi soccer I will fight with all I have got to be allowed to stand", Yabwanya said
As it is now the full unofficial line up is as follows
Presidential Candidates
Walter MacMillan Nyamilandu Manda
Wilkins Mijiga
1st Vice President
James Mwenda
Tiya Somba Banda
2nd Vice President
Othaniel Hara
Pikawo Ngalamira
Executive Members
Rashid Ntelera
Daud Mtanthiko
Flora Mwandira
Masauko Medi
Alfred Gunda
Jabbar Alide
Chiumia: Blasts Council of Sports[/caption]
Council officials are accusing the youngest minister in the Peter Mutharika administration of renting out the facility to Lilongwe University of Agriculrure and Natural Resources and forcibly evicting the council officials without notice.
But in a radio interview, Chiumia accused the council officials of running down the place.
"They were told in writing to vacate the premises. They were not chased away, that is not true. They were told in writing to vacate the place because they had failed to manage it. The infrastructure is now dilapidated," said Chiumia.
Chiumia said the place will be available for all sports activities during weekends although it will now be under Luanar.
She also accused the council officials of rushing to the media before seeking information from relevant authorities.
Raphael Phiri rises high to head in Chande's corner kick, Pic Alex Mwazalumo[/caption]
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Raphael Phiri celebrates after beating Lions goalie Clement Mlomba, Pic Alex Mwazalumo[/caption]
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Champion Sanjay gets a state-of-the-art golf bag from Kawawa.[/caption]
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Charles Ulaya of National Bank presents a prize to Mkandawire.[/caption]
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Kawawa makes a K350,000 cheque donation to LGC[/caption]
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Body builder Thoko Ericson Chagwirampeni entertains the golfers[/caption]
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Harvey Mkacha's shot...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Chikondi Likwemba celebrating a goal...Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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KB suffer another loss..Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
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Silver Strikers FC....Photo Jeromy Kadewere[/caption]
According to a statement released by the Football Association of Malawi (Fam), the players have been selected from three Central Region based sides namely Epac FC, Civo United and Kamuzu Barracks.
The players will start training Tuesday 17th November, 2015 from 9:00am at the Silver Stadium.
Civo coach Oscar Kaunda will be the head coach assisted by Temwa Msuku while Abbas Makawa has been appointed as Team Manager.
According to Fam, the technical panel was appointed by its Technical Director John Kaputa and they were responsible in the selection of players.
RBM are the official sponsor's of former Super League champions and also owns Silver Stadium.
The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeeper: Amadu Ali (KB), Duncan Mkandawire (Civo).
Defenders: Pempho Kamsichiri, Pilirani Makupe, Diof Simaone (KB), Emmanuel Zoya, Wyson Nkhana, Patience Kalumo (Civo).
Midfielders: Willard Dickson, Joseph Kachule, Mude Jefrey, Innocent Tanganyika (Epac), Gerald Mkungula, Thoko Harrison (Civo), Gift M'bwana (KB).
Strikers: Zinjani Yona, Harvey Mkacha (KB), Raphael Phiri (Civo).
Jappie Mhango: Re-elected as VAM president[/caption]
Mhango, who was nominated by all regional delegateshas since pledged to continue securing sponsorship for the sport and also run the body professionally.
“I am happy that people have once again shown their confidence and trust in me. I have already started sponsoring volleyball leagues in all the regions and I pledge to continue securing other partners so that we should further improve the sport,” Mhango said in his acceptance speech.
Delegates at the AGM also re-elected James Kaunda as vice president
Jailosi Nkhoma was elected general secretary whereas Martin Hausi became vice-general secretary.
Florence Nthakomwa was elected treasurer while Ronald Mpaso was retained as VAM spokesman.
Executive members voted included Elton Ngombe, Lilian Msonthi and Metison Mussa .
