Army games start Tuesday in Salima
Teams from all Malawi Defence Force (MDF) units have gathered at the Malawi Armed Forces College (Mafco) in Salima to compete in the annual five-day Inter-Unit Sports Festival which kicks off Tuesday.
MDF Commander General Henry Odillo was expected to officially inaugurate the games at 8 am, according to MDF’s directorate of training (DoT).
Warrant Officer Class One Peter Genti said apart from financial assistance from MDF, Nico Life have pumped in K2.5 million, SF International have injected K3.5 million (about $8 750) whereas Zagaf have donated K300 000 (about $750) towards the games.
“Everything is in place and we will make the competition a success. We have received tremendous support from the corporate world as well as individuals.”
“We also expect more sponsorship from Toyota Malawi and Ecobank. As MDF, we are grateful to these companies for the support as it will enhance more competition among the units,” said Genti.
Over 12 Army units will compete in basketball, netball, handball, tug of war, boxing, taekwondo and volleyball.
In football, eight units, Cobbe, Zomba Administration, 2MR, Paramilitary, 3MR, Support, 9MR and Mafco have made it into the quarter-finals.
“All the units were involved in play-offs and the eight have made it into the quarter-finals. Unlike in other sports disciplines, football is played in group stages before the actual finals,” said Genti.
In his remarks when he launched similar games last year, Odillo said the festival forms part of MDF training.
