South taekwondo team itch to defend Presidential title

As the battle for honours in the K1 million (about $6 000) Presidential Taekwondo Championships starts at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC) on Saturday, the Southern Region taekwondo team has vowed to become the first side in four years to defend the annual contest’s title.

Central Region were the inaugural champions in 2009. The 2010 event was won by the Eastern Region whereas the South won last year’s. But, as hosts, the South feels it is equipped to retain the honours.

“We have trained hard for this adventure and we promise to give our all so that the trophy remains in our hands,” said Southern Region coach and athlete Medson Ntila.

According to Taekwondo Association of Malawi (TAM) national trainer Lovemore Masinga, the Southern Region team comprises Daniso Lapozo (finweight), Richard Ndalora (flyweight), Wenard Mulinde (welterweight), Patrick Brown (lightweight) and Trouble Palemba (light heavyweight) in the men’s category.

The ladies section has Grace Tebulo (finweight) whereas the kids’ category has Beauty Daffrece (female) and Prescious Manyengo (male).

The Eastern Region team will be represented by Innocent Kathumba (finweight), Dyson Tsegula (flyweight), Irvin Tengani (welterweight) and Eric Kumbambe (lightweight) while the Central Region will send Irvin Msukwa (finweight), Simbi James (flyweight), Oxon Banda (welterweight), Friday Chapola (lightweight) and Hassan Aris (light heavyweight) alongside male kid Henry Isaiah Mzonda.

The North will rely on Joseph Phiri (finweight), Gerald Sichinga (flyweight), Chifundo Kamanga (welterweight), Hassan Wasili (lightweight), Hassan Gondwe (light heavyweight) and Schubert Kaunda (heavyweight). Their kids section will comprise Thokozile Kamanga (female) and Brave Kamanga (male).

“The contest will also incorporate exclusive fights among our 16 black-belt holders,” said Masinga.