Sports awards nominees excited with recognition

Sports personalities are delight at being nominated for this year’s Malawi Sport Awards after the organisers released the final list ahead of the ceremony slated for February 14 in Lilongwe. 

The Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) manages the awards which recognise the best performers in 15 categories.

The final list, which has three nominees in each category, has seen South Africa-based Flames striker Gabadinho Mhango, taekwondo star Yamikani Guba and athlete Stern Lifa nominated for the Sportsman of the Year accolade.

In an interview, Mhango, who plays for Orlando Pirates, said he was delighted with the nomination.

“I would like to thank all those that supported my nomination. I hope the judges will analyse the list fairly and select the deserving winner. One love to Malawi,” he said.

United Kingdom-based Guba described his nomination as a great honour.

“It’s not that easy when you are based abroad, but the community back home still remembers your achievements. I also congratulate the rest of my fellow sports personalities who have been nominated,” he said.

Malawi women’s national football team captain Tabitha Chawinga, who plays for Jiangsu Suning in the Chinese Women’s Superleague, has alongside athlete Doris Fisher and netballer Takondwa Lwazi, been nominated for the Sportswoman of the Year Award.

Malawi Paralympics Committee president James Chiutsi, Susan Namangale of Chess Association of Malawi and Association of Draughts in Malawi’s Suzgo Nkhoma will face off in the Sports Administrator of the Year category.

Chiutsi, who has been nominated in each of the previous awards, said: “I am overjoyed that our work is being appreciated. It gives me the impetus to continue working hard for the development of sports for people with disabilities in the country.”

In the umpire, referee and judge segment, the nominees are Bernadettar Kwimbira-Mzika, Clemency Kanduku and Osman Mhango.

Blue Eagles coach Deklerk Msakakuona has been nominated for the Coach of the Year accolade alongside golf trainer Dingaan Chirwa and cricket mentor Gift Kamsonkho.

MNCS acting executive secretary Henry Mereka said the list was compiled after a thorough scrutiny by a group of sports administrators and journalists. “When nominating, we look at their performances, professionalism, behaviour and contribution towards development,” he said.