Mapa appeals for discipline

Malawi Pool Association (Mapa) president Francis Zhux Zhuwao has appealed to the pool fraternity to observe discipline during the Presidential Initiative for Sports (PIS) to attract sponsorship.

Zhuwao made the appeal on Saturday during the launch of the PIS Under-23 and Ladies Singles at Gentleman’s Club along Mchinji Road.

While disclosing that the association is discussing with several companies for sponsorship, he said discipline is paramount if they are to win their hearts.

He said some companies and organisations such as Xerographics and the National Aids Council (NAC) have shown interest to help with sponsorships.

“But the ball in your hands. It is all about discipline. You need to behave during these games. No sponsors will be happy to be associated with indiscipline,” said Zhuwao.

Zhuwao, who was flanked by his vice-president Chikondi Mbewe and general secretary Saulos Thindwa, also disclosed that Chibuku Products Limited will sponsor a national pool tournament to be launched on July 7.

He appealed to President Joyce Banda to continue sponsoring PIS, which was initiated by her predecessor, the late  Bingu wa Mutharika.

At the launch, Under-23 defending champions, Sports Café emerged winners of a four-member mini-tournament after they outplayed Cobbe Snipers 3-2 in the finals.

Sport Café, who beat last year’s runners-up S5 3-0 in the semi-final, received K80 000 whereas Snipers got K60 000.

In the ladies category, Escom Sisters player Lucy Vinkhumbo outsmarted Maggie Phiri.

Vinkhumbo, who saw off defending champion Funny Chimwala on her way to the finals, received K8 000 whereas Phiri, who plays for FIB, got K6 000.

The PIS games will start this Saturday in both Under-23 and Ladies Singles categories in all the regions.