Local basketballers aim for a shocker
After a battered reputation on the international stage, local basketball teams have warned their visiting counterparts to expect a tough ride in the Bravehearts Invitational Tournament underway in Lilongwe.
The three-day tournament threw off at African Bible College and Mount Sinai Basketball courts in Lilongwe on Friday.
Malawian teams struggle in international competitions.
Central Zone Basketball (Cezobal) champions, Central Knights alongside Mimbulu were outclassed in the Lakers Invitational Tournament in Zimbabwe last year.
However, all local representatives Bravehearts, Central Knights, Bricks and Cougars are optimistic of shinning on home soil.
Bravehearts General Secretary, Lusungu Banda, said they were aiming at winning the tournament.
“We just need to believe in ourselves on the court. As usual, it will not be an easy tournament but we want to qualify for, at least, the semifinals,” Banda said.
All eyes will be on visiting teams such as Zimbabwean giants, Harare City Hornets, Foxes, Zambia’s Napsa Breeze, Napsa Hurricanes and Mbeya Flames from Tanzania.
Knights spokesperson, Emmanuel Phiri, said his charges were determined to pull a shocker.
“We have played some of the teams before and we know their weaknesses and strengths. I think this is the right time for our basketball teams to show that we can compete with some of the best teams in Africa,” Phiri said.
G.Y Imports and Exports, in conjunction with its sister company, Dr Print, has sponsored the tournament to the tune of K7 million.
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