Scorpions, Nyala crowned FMB Six-a-side Hockey champions
Scorpions and Nyala Ladies have been crowned FMB Six-a-side Hockey League champions in men and ladies’ categories respectively, following their post-match penalty victories in the finals at the Hockey Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday.
Scorpions beat Nyala Men 9-8 to win their first title in two years while Nyala Ladies triumphed 4-3 over Simba Ladies to relive their 2015 glory.
“It feels great to finally win a tournament after a title drought,” said Scorpions captain Innocent Sabola.
Nevertheless, it was surprising that both champions of the two-day competition, which has transformed from being a Southern Region contest to a national event, did not pluck any of the four available individual awards.
In the men’s category, Thomas Malinki of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) and Braves’ McDonald Uzuman emerged as the tournament’s best player and top scorer (seven goals) respectively while Swilanga Padambo of Simba, who scored nine goals, took both accolades in the ladies’ section.
The six-a-side tournament has set the tone for the 11-a-side event expected to be held in August.
FMB Group general manager (treasury and international banking) Thomas Kadantot, who paid homage to former Hockey Association of Malawi (HAM) president, the late Tochi Gill, said the bank is committed to continue supporting the sport.
“As we celebrate five years of hockey sponsorship, I wish to reiterate our commitment towards the sport and our endeavour to see hockey develop from just being a minority sport,” he said.
The men’s category had Kamuzu Barracks, Luanar, Malawi Defence Force) Marines, Cobbe Sticks, Genetrix, Braves, Scorpions, Nyala and Veterans while the ladies’ division comprised Simba, Nyala Ladies, Scorpions Ladies, Braves Ladies, Genetrix Ladies, Luanar Ladies and Kamuzu Barracks Ladies.
