Zomba-based non-league basketball side Panthers beat newly-formed Cobbe Youth 46-31 in a strength-testing encounter played at Chanco Court on Friday.
Both sides are community teams formed to tune up for any available competition. Panthers have their players from Matawale, Mulunguzi and Chikanda whereas Cobbe’s players stay at the barracks in the old capital.
During the game, Cobbe found it hard to match the pace of Panthers, but the first-quarter ended in a 6-6 draw.
However, disaster fell on Cobbe in the subsequent quarters, losing 12-4, 38-19 and 46-31 as Panthers upped the tempo of the game. These were characterised by fast breaks as well as dazzling lay ups by Samuel Kalonga, Patson Mkupu and Lusungu Munthali.
Panthers had their captain Daniel Madula, Misheck Khambule and Mwenecho Munthali displaying marvellous skills with the ball.
After the game, Madula said his side manages itself and lacks a qualified coach.
“We fend for ourselves as we have not yet approached authorities for sponsorship. For your information, we are only two months old and our aim is to have a formidable side that can compete for honours,†he said.
Kalonga corroborated Madula’s remarks and appealed to well-wishers for support to register the teams in the Southern Zone Basketball League.
“We are lacking equipment such as uniform because, as you can see, we could only identify ourselves during the game by physical stature. Transport will also be another thing in addition to affiliation fee,†said Kalonga.
