18 qualify for Volley Championship

Eighteen teams have qualified for the three-day national finals of the K2.5 million Airtel Volleyball Championships scheduled for August 26 at Kumudzi Eco Learning Centre in Lilongwe.

The men’s category has 10 teams while the women’s category has eight teams, following qualifiers held over the weekend in all the country’s three regions.

Lilongwe Spikers, Mipuniro Spikers, Kamuzu Barracks and Blue Eagles will represent Central Region in men’s category, while Poly Troopers, Stingers and Thunders will represent the South.

Katoto Trickers, Moyale Barracks and Mzuzu University are from the North. In women’s category, the host region has Blue Eagles, Kamuzu Barracks Secondary School and Snipers.

Southern Region has Blantyre Gemz and Bangwe while Mzuzu Academy, Moyale and Katoto Trickers are from the Northern Region.

Trickers Ladies sneaked into the finals after Central Region failed to find the fourth team.

“The challenge was that most of our teams are from schools. Schools are on holiday, so we have failed to come up with the fourth team. As hosts, we were privileged to send four teams,” said Central Region Volleyball League general secretary Trust Mtegha.

Volleyball Association of Malawi (VAM) general secretary Jaiolsi Nkhoma said Northern Region was given a green light to fill the gap.

“It was agreed during our first planning meeting that if a team fails to make it, then another team which is ready will take the place,” he said.

Snipers Ladies’ player, Praise Mwandira, said as the host they will use home ground advantage to the fullest to win the trophy.