40 teams register in Vuwa-Kaunda tourney

Over 40 teams in Nkhata Bay District have registered in the K1 million Symon Vuwa-Kaunda Football Tournament which kicked off last weekend.

According to fixtures secretary Levi Mkumbira, the tournament has drawn a lot of excitement and more teams are coming up to register.

“We had six games in four zones during the opening week. We had games in Kalambwe, Tukombo, Sanga and Chintheche zones and the atmosphere was electric.

“This week, the games will spread to Mpamba and Muchoma zones. The winners in the zones will qualify for the final stages of the competition,” he said.

Sponsor of the tournament, former sports minister Symon Vuwa-Kaunda said apart from exposing untapped talent, he has revived the competition to promote unity as well as spread awareness messages on HIV/Aids.

Vuwa-Kaunda, who is presidential adviser on national unity, said: “Through interaction of the players and fans, my expectation is that the tournament will help promote peace and unity which are essential in the development of the country.

“It will also keep the youth busy and, therefore refrain from promiscuous behaviour.”

He also said the tournament will provide a platform to up-and-coming players to showcase their skills.

“It was through this tournament that players such as Frank and Christopher John Banda, Micium Mhone, Luka and Lawrence Milanzi, Lot Kasambara and Gabriel Chirwa were identified,” said Vuwa-Kaunda.

Some of the players such as the Banda brothers and Mhone are plying their trade beyond the borders. n