G.Y Imports & Exports dares basketball giants
Local stationery, ICT, furniture and sanitary suppliers G.Y Imports and Exports in conjunction with their sister firm Dr Print have dared the country’s basketball giants with a K5 million ($6 935) sponsorship for a two-week national basketball championship dubbed King and Queen of the Courts.
The tournament, which kicks off on Saturday evening at the African Bible College (ABC) indoor court, has attracted the cream of men and ladies basketball from the Southern Zone Basketball League (Sozobal), Central Zone Basketball League (Cezobal) and Northern Zone Basketball League (Nozobal).
Sozobal, which is considered the hub of basketball in the country, has contributed national champions Bricks and Magang’a for the men’s tournament and Lady Bricks for the women championship while Nozobal will have its champions Nkhulande in the men championship and Nozobal Select in the ladies’ category.
The host zone Cezobal will be represented by Cougars, Trojans and Bravehearts in the men showcase while Angels and Bravehearts Ladies will carry the region’s flag in the ladies’ championship.
According to a member of the organising committee, Madalitso Kaich, winner of the men’s championship will get a trophy and K1 million ($1 387) while the runner-up will receive K400 000 ($555). The Queen of the Court will go away with K500 000 ($693) while the runner-up will get K200 000 ($277).
“There will also be prizes for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Most Disciplined Player and Best Defensive Player in both categories plus other exciting events,” said Kaich.
G.Y Imports and Exports and Dr Print managing director Griffin Kalua said the two sister companies were geared to take the basketball game to greater heights.
“In February this year, we sponsored a tournament for teams from the zones that did not have a chance to play at the top level but this time it is the cream of basketball in Malawi that is involved. We expect to watch top quality action from day one up to the last day.
“Our aim as G.Y Imports and Exports and Dr Print is to take the game of basketball to another level so that our teams are able to compete favourably at international level. The tournament will also help to keep the participating teams in shape before resumption of the three leagues, which are currently in recess,” said Kalua.
