National Sports

Sozobal wrestle all stars crowns

Veteran Weluzani Chingota was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after inspiring Southern Zone Basketball League (Sozobal) to win the K3 million ($6000) G.Y Imports and Exports All Stars Tournament against their Central Region opponents Cezobal.

Sozobal emerged 68-63 winners in a tight contest at a packed Civo Court on Sunday.

Part of the action during the match
Part of the action during the match

Sozobal were trailing by 14 baskets in the second quarter, but they rallied to level the scores in the fourth quarter, forcing a tie and went on to win and avenge the loss they suffered in the last edition.

Chingota claimed the highest number of baskets for Sozobal— 12, followed by Hope Chisamanga (11), Chikondi Mwendera (nine) and Daniel Mponda (eight) as the Southern Region team overcame a resilient Cezobal whose most baskets came from Jose Masanjika and Richard Chavula.

Chisamanga, who doubled as coach for Sozobal, was a relieved man after the bell, saying it was a tough game.

“We fought hard and managed to overcome that deficit and went on to force the game into extra time. It was pure hard work and we deserved to win. The rivalry between the two teams has grown so much over the years so much that there is always that big-match hype whenever we meet,” said Chisamanga.

Cezobal chairperson Khama Mphepo could not hide his disappointment.

‘Of course, it’s disappointing, but the good thing is that we watched good basketball today and we are appreciative of G.Y for such a wonderful tournament. We tried, but it was not good enough,” said Mphepo.

G.Y Imports and Exports expressed happiness with the tournament.

“It was a revelation that basketball is still popular looking at the crowds that attended the games. Teams put up great performance and it was worthwhile sponsoring this event,” said G.Y managing director Griffin Kalua, a basketball player himself.

G.Y provided accommodation and food for all the teams on top of K250 000 ($500) grand prize for the winners in men. Ladies champions took home K150 000 ($300).

 

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