Fourteen teams, including defending champions Bricks and other giants Magang’a and Central Knights, will compete in this year’s National Basketball Championship which throws off at Civo Court in Lilongwe today.
Malawi Basketball Lovers (MBL), organisers of the tournament, said six ladies teams will compete for the first time at the event.
They are Lady Bricks, Mystics and Cobbe Barracks from the Southern Region while Bravehearts Ladies, Angels and Lady Dynamites are from the Central Region.
MLB representative Tendai Banda said the competition will run up to Saturday and outstanding players are set to get individual awards.
“Currently we do not have sponsors for the prize money, but we have sponsors for individual accolades like the Most Valuable Player for both men and ladies, dunking competition winner and best rebounder,” he said.
Banda was optimistic that they will get the sponsors by Friday.
Other teams that are competing in the men’s championship are Mimbulu, Mzuzu Pistons, Chanco Hawks, Cougars and Nkhulande.
Bricks captain Victor Jere is anticipating a tough competition while quashing suggestions that they are favourites.
“There are a lot of teams capable of winning the title this year. So we are anticipating challenges in our bid to defend the championship,” he said. n
