Southern Zone Basketball League (Sozobal) says it is ready to roll out a three-day pre-international basketball competition at the Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC) and College of Medicine (CoM) Sports Complex from tomorrow.
Sozobal chairperson Stabene Malange-Majamanda yesterday said the stage is set for the event that will prepare local teams for the imminent nine-nations Bravehearts International Basketball Challenge (Bibc).
Dubbed Pre-Bibc Basketball Tournament Reloaded, the competition will involve Sozobal and Central Zone Basketball League (Cezobal) men’s teams Central Knights, Bricks, Crazy Warriors, Mikoko and Bravehearts alongside ladies outfits Lady Dynamites, Cobbe Barracks, Crazy Warriors Divas, Kukoma Eagles, Mikoko Mystics and Bravehearts Ladies.
“Time is here for local teams to compete for ultimate glory while, at the same time, keeping themselves in good shape ahead of the international tournament that will attract teams from Rwanda, Kenya, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and hosts Malawi in Lilongwe between September 28 and 30,” she said.
Majamanda added that Sozobal will also take advantage of the event to network with different partners and stakeholders to see how best they can work together this year and beyond.
“We would as well take this opportunity to fundraise for our zone,” she said.
Bibc communications manager Deliwe Lungu said despite being a preparatory event, there will be trophies and medals for the winning teams and individual awards to most valuable players (MVP), All Stars and best referees.
“There will also be other prizes that will be revealed during the tournament. Teams should be reminded they will carter for their own transport, food and accommodation at the event,” she said.
