Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has included sports category in its Entertainers of the Year of Programme scheduled for December 14 at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
The category, which was left out last year, has Best Female Player, Best Male Player, Best Men Football Team, Best Women’s Football Team, Sports Personality, Best Netball Player and Best Netball Team of the Year.
In an interview yesterday, MBC director general George Kasakula said they did it to give a platform to showcase their talent.
“Since we resumed the Entertainers of the Year Programme, we had few categories. But this year, we have added more categories to encourage and recognise emerging and diverse stakeholders,” he said.
The inclusion of sports has excited Malawi National Council of Sports, with spokesperson Edgar Ntulumbwa saying sport plays a crucial role in entertainment.
He said: “As council, we are happy that MBC has decided to include sports in this year’s Entertainers of the Year Awards. Sport plays a crucial role in entertaining the masses as well as recreation. So, we believe that by recognising sports personalities the awards will motivate and inspire them to work hard.”
Sports Writers Association of Malawi secretary general Wesesleys Chirwa said they delighted with the return of sports awards.
“This is crucial in recognising and celebrating the achievements of athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders in the sports fraternity. This development is expected to motivate players and contributors across various disciplines to aim higher and enhance the growth of sports in the country.
“The awards play a significant role in showcasing talent and fostering healthy competition. The awards also provide a platform to honour unsung heroes who have made remarkable contributions to sports development.”
Sports journalist Frank Kandu, a nominee for Sports Personality of the Year, said it means a lot to him.
“I am excited that people can recognise my work. The nomination alone speaks a lot, especially that I fall in a category where the other competitors are a player and a coach.”
The following are nominees.
Best Women’s Footballer of the Year: Temwa Chawinga, Tabitha Chawinga and Leticia Chinyamula. Best Men’s Footballer of the Year: FCB Nyasa Bullets forward Chrispine Mapemba, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers midfielder Isaac Chair Kaliati and Silver Strikers midfielder Chimwemwe Idana.
Best Men’s Football Team of the Year; FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, Best Women’s Football Team: Nyasa Big Bullets, Ntopwa FC and Ascent Academy.
Best Netballer: Mwawi Kumwenda, Joyce Mvula and Towera Vikhumbo. Best Netball Team: Malawi University of Applied Sciences, First Choice Tigresses and Blue Eagles Netball Team. Sports Personality of the Year: Kaliati, sports journalist Kandu and Silvers coach Peter Mponda.
