Zambia and Zimbabwe-based teams stole the show as they were crowned champions of the 2026 King & Queen Under-23 Basketball Tournament at African Bible College in Lilongwe on Saturday night.
Napsa Jnr Boys from Zambia underlined their quality when they defeated Bravehearts Boys in the boys’ category.
In the ladies’ category, Lakers Girls from Zimbabwe finished the tournament as champions after beating Bravehearts Girls.
It was an entertaining tournament, which attracted both local and international teams.
- Advertisement -
At the end of the tournament, the foreign teams showed their class, having outclassed local teams in both finals.
- Advertisement -
Both Bravehearts Boys and Girls got silver medals at the end of the tournament.
G.Y Imports and Exports— who are suppliers of sports equipment—sponsored the tournament.
The company’s managing director Griffin Kalua said the tournament was a success.
“It was a very successful tournament and I appreciate the support from the local teams. The foreign teams added spice to the event. We believe we can do more in the future,” he said.
- Advertisement -
Prior to the tournament, Zambia-based Fiba instructor Robert Mweshi and Kalua, who is a Fiba Level 2 coach, conducted refereeing and coaching courses courtesy of G.Y Imports and Exports.
Kalua said the courses were specifically designed to promote officiating and coaching standards in the country.
“This year’s tournament was organised in a different way as we capacitated local referees and coaches. We want to make sure we improve the standards of officiating and coaches,” he said.
For the first time, the organisers introduced an U-23 section aimed at accelerating the development of young basketball talent in Malawi and the region.
