Gowelo, Makangala launch trophies
Parliamentarians for Blantyre City West and Blantyre City Central last weekend launched football and netball trophies to be competed for by youths in their constituencies.
Speaking at Surestream Stadium in Chilomoni on Saturday, Blantyre City West MP, Thom Gowelo, said it was his ambition to see youths from his constituency playing for big football and netball teams, including national teams, in the country.
“Besides nurturing the youthful talent, the competition will also help to keep the young ones away from dangerous behaviours,” said Gowelo when he launched his sponsorship dubbed Mwazaangati Trophy, which has K2.5 million [about $6 250] up for grabs.
On the sidelines of the launch of her K1 million (about $2 500) football trophy at Chirunga Football Ground in Ndirande on Sunday, Eunice Makangala lamented absence of active netball teams in her constituency.
“It is disappointing to note that there were no netball teams that showed interest in the tournament.
“The aim of coming up with this trophy is to give something to the youth of this area and at the same time to encourage other youngsters that careers begin at the grass roots. This constituency has produced the likes of Semion Kapuza, James Sangala and Jacob Ngwira,” said Makangala.
She described the introduction of the trophy as one of the good things to come depending on the success of the competition.
The tournament, which is involving 36 teams, will run for six months and is expected to end in December.
During the launch, Makangala presented footballs to all participating teams, K5 000 (about $12.5) to Chawoz who won the launch game against Super Pirates and K4 000 (about $10)s to all teams that curtain-raised the ceremony.
