JBF, Matindi step up preps for Airtel Rising Stars tourney

Joyce Banda Foundation (JBF) and Matindi Girls Academy step up their preparations for the Airtel Rising Stars Africa Championship when they go into camp today in Lilongwe.

Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa) general secretary Blackson Malamula confirmed that the two teams will travel to the capital city today and will camp at Baptist Theological College under the auspices of Airtel Malawi.

“We have arranged that both teams should be training twice a day at Civo Stadium,” said Malamula.

He also said a series of build-up matches have been organised for both teams and JBF will line up against Super League sides Blue Eagles, Epac and Civo United while among others, Matindi will test their strength against Skippers FC ahead of the international tournament.

Seasoned tactician Jack Chamangwana, who has been drilling JBF, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the preparations.

“I would say so far so good. Our focus during the first phase of the training was on organisation.

“The response has been encouraging, but there is need to work on finishing. The boys lack confidence especially in the final quarter, they get too excited and make unnecessary short passes.

“But I am not sure on whether we will travel with the team to Lilongwe, otherwise that is the only area that needs concentration,” said Chamangwana who is being assisted by Trevor Kajawa.

JBF sports officer Robert Munthali said they played two training matches against Brave Warriors and Chitawira Rangers which they won 3-0 and 2-0 respectively

Matindi  coach Maggie Chombo-Sidiki said her concentration was on coordination.

“The main focus during the first phase was to improve the girls’ level of fitness,” said Chombo- Sidiki.