Chimombo will have his basketball autograph number 23 jersey with his name framed and displayed in the school’s hall of fame.
Azam Tigers FC and Under-20 national football team midfielder Willy Saenda was the first to get the decoration last year for his achievements with the Under-17 national soccer team at the Africa Youth Championship as well as the World Youth Championship in 2009.
Chimombo, who will sit for his Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations in June, said he felt honoured with the award during the school’s graduation ceremony held at Robin’s Park in Blantyre on Friday.
“It is one of those things you dream or see in American high school movies where sports stars are honoured and leave a name as a legacy in form of framed jerseys.
“For that to happen to me is an honour and I really thank the management of the school for recognising my contribution. I will cherish it for the rest of my life.
“I will miss JBF and the rest of the students,” he said.
Chimombo is already an established basketball player. He is a first-choice point guard for giants Crazy Warriors. He also played for the Under-18 national team in Zimbabwe last year.
JB director Roy Kachale and sports head Robert Munthali spoke highly of Chimombo.
“For a player of his age and small body to be commanding a place in Warriors team speaks volumes of his talent. We wish him all the best.
“We are also impressed by the overall success we have achieved with our sports programme at the school having produced top athletes such as Flames defender Limbikani Mzava, national netball stars Beatrice Mpinganjira and Joyce Mvula who is still our student,” said Kachale.
He added that the patron of the school, State President Mrs. Joyce Banda is committed to continue supporting sports scholarship programmes.
In other awards from the Form V IGCE graduating class, Nelson Somanje was voted the best football player while Ivor Mulenga, Cecilia Mdolo and Wellington Mnesa emerged best stars in basketball, netball and hockey respectively.
From the Form IV MSCE class, Bright Somanje was the best soccer player with Julius Misomali scooping the basketball award whereas Yamikani Mang’anda and Ethel Chisambi got the hockey and netball accolades respectively.
