Airborne win MDF Inter-Unit festivals
The paramilitary wing (Airborne) of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), are overall winners of this year’s Inter-Unit Sports festivals.
They excelled in most of the activities to amass 42 points ahead of 2MR (Kamuzu Barracks) who had 34 points.
Moyale Barracks were third with 33 points while Mamu were last without a point in the event which involved 13 units.
The highlight of Airborne’s achievement was their triumph in tug-of-war against Kamuzu Barracks in the finals.
However, it were football finals between Kamuzu Barracks and Cobbe Barracks that stole the show.
The match was watched by MDF Commander Henry Odillo and his deputy (operations) Lt General John Msonthi Jnr.
KB had taken a lead through Ovirera Kathumba only to surrender it in the 88th minute when Cobbe equalised. Cobbe went on to add the second goal a minute later and were eventually crowned the 2013 MDF soccer champions.
In netball, Mafco beat 1MR (Cobbe) in the finals while 1MR were crowned basketball champions.
In boxing, Wilson Masamba lost to Osgood Kayuni through points whereas Chimwemwe Chiotcha beat Alick Mwenda.
In the main bout on Friday, Chrispine Moliati beat Wellington Balakasi to win the lightweight category. Referee Kate Mkandawire had to stop the contest in the sixth round when Balakasi lost focus after receiving some heavy jabs in the face.
In amateur bouts, Steffano Cassim beat Stenala Zabula while in the ladies category Judith Office beat Gladys Namonde.
“We are progressing in sports and it was evident to see the talent that we have as MDF. We really have good boxers, I was impressed,” said Odillo, referring to the Moliati vs Balakasi fight.
He described the 2013 games as a success unlike in the previous sports festivals.
“The units had prepared well for the games. The winners deserved to win and the organisation of the event was just good. We will support those athletes and teams that did well. We need to invest in equipment so that our athletes have training facility,” he said.
