By Bernard Mhone:
Moyale Barracks and Vixens Ladies are on cloud nine after winning this year’s Raiply National Volleyball Tournament in Mzuzu.
Moyale thrashed Blue Eagles by three straight sets to lift the men’s category title while Vixens emerged winners following a 3-1 win over Blue Eagles in the women’s category.
The three-day tournament ended on Sunday at Katoto Volleyball Courts in Mzuzu City.
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Moyale Coach Aubrey Mpeyama said they had recovered from last year’s heart breaking experience when they finished third.
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“The anger we had fuelled us to do better than last time. We have been winning the title since 2017 but last year we failed to win it because the team had several new players.
“Now, the team has jelled and we won the cup with a perfect record, having won all four matches,” Mpeyama said.
Last year’s men’s champions Wolves of Lilongwe ended on third position after overcoming city rivals Spikers 3-2.
In the ladies’ category, Ultimate Volleyball Club finished on third position following a 3-2 win over Wolves Ladies.
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The champions pocketed K2 million each, with the runners-up receiving K1,250,000 apiece.
The third-placed sides got K750,000.
Raiply Malawi Limited Chief Executive Officer Khrishna Das pledged continued support, having been bankrolling the tournament for 14 years.
“We are proud of our contribution to the growth of volleyball in Malawi. The sport was not given good support.
“However, we came in to stay. We have seen the fruits of this championship as some players have joined foreign teams and others feature in international tournaments,” Das said.
On his part, Volleyball Association of Malawi (Vam) President James Kaunda commended Raiply for their commitment to continue supporting the tournament.
He said the tournament was pivotal to the preparations for Zone VI Club championship in December in Gaborone, Botswana.
“Raiply has always been with us for 14 years. They doubled the sponsorship package of the tournament this year, which also ignited fire, leading to stiff competition among teams. No wonder, defending champions floored. Expect fireworks at the Zone VI tournament this year,” Kaunda said.
This year’s Raiply Tournament attracted 19 teams, with Confederation of African Volleyball President Bouchra Hajij gracing the event.
Hajij commended Vam and Raiply for the partnership to organise the national tournament
