Mo626 College Basketball tourney reaches climax

This is it. The second edition of the Mo626Ice College Basketball reaches the pinnacle today with the semi-finals contests at Chancellor College in Zomba.

And tomorrow, the curtain for the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc-sponsored showpiece, will be brought down with final encounters.

In the men’s category, reigning champions Malawi College of Accountancy (MCI)-Lilongwe campus date Malawi Assemblies of God University (Magu).

Apart from their title defence campaign, MCA will be on a revenge mission as their only defeat in the qualifiers, was at the hands of Magu.

However, MCA Lilongwe captain and trumpcard Hydin Mafuta played down the revenge aspect, saying their focus will be to get the job done and reach the final.

“We are confident of reaching the finals, then we can take it up from there.”

On his part, Magu manager for both men and women’s sides Willz Jaba Chioko said they are ready.

“To begin with, I am proud that both our teams have made it this far. As for the approach, we will capitalise on speed which has proved to be our biggest strength.”

In the other men’s semi-final, last year’s losing finalists Poly Wildcats face hosts Chanco Hawks.

Poly captain Robert Matambo said they are looking beyond the semis.

“This time we want to get it right and that is winning the trophy and I believe we are ready,” he said.

On his part, Hawks skipper Chikondi Sato said: “A lot has been said during the week, we just hope that the games will do the talking for us.”

In the ladies’ category, surprise package Zomba Institute of Management and Accountancy (Zima) take on Poly.

Zima captain Angie Mwalija said: “We are ready, the semis will be a bit different though because this will be another level. But we will do our best to win and advance to the finals.

“We are determined to prove that we have not reached this far by chance,” she said.

In the other semi-final battle, Magu date Bunda.