Bravehearts (BH) Men’s and Ladies basketball teams made a statement of intent after winning their opening matches in Zambia on Saturday.
The teams produced dominant performances as they beat Zambia’s top basketball teams.
Bravehearts men registered two victories over Zambian Super League legacy giants UNZA Pacers and perennial champions Matero Magic.
In their first match, Bravehearts men swept aside Paces 95-56 before registering a 74-61 victory over Magic, popularly known as Tamanga Boys. According to the Bravehearts website, inspired by Zambian international Taonga Ngoma, Bravehearts were unstoppable in both matches.
Ngoma was the toast of the day with his skills as he produced a dominant performance, having finished with 27 points, 14 rebounds and three steals.
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Spencer Julius also had a grand game, having finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and one assist against Pacers.
The two victories over top Zambian teams were important for the Malawi champions.
In the ladies’ category, Bravehearts dismantled Green Buffaloes Basketball Club 68-46.
The ladies’ team was in total control from start to finish.
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Tadiwa Mapika was influential in the 22-point victory after registering an impressive double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.
As we went to press Sunday, Bravehearts were in action against reigning Zambian champions Dolphins Basketball Club and Munali Suns.
Bravehearts patron Griffin Kalua said the games were important because they allowed players to gain experience against opponents with different approaches to the game.
“These are not simply friendlies; they form part of a deliberate preparation programme designed to expose the teams to high quality competition,” Kalua said.
Bravehearts are in Zambia as part of an intensive international preparation programme ahead of two major competitions on the calendar; the Bravehearts International Basketball Challenge (BIBC) scheduled for September 3 to 5 in Lilongwe and the Basketball Africa League (Bal) qualifiers in October.
The tour followed successful competitive tours of Kenya and Tanzania, giving both Bravehearts teams an opportunity to test themselves against different styles of basketball.
