Mzuzu conquers Sparc tennis
FIVE players from Mzuzu put up a spirited performance to dominate inaugural Sparc
Systems Junior Tennis championship at Malawi National Tennis Centre situated at Country Club Limbe in Blantyre.
Out of six titles, Mzuzu collected five through Ramesh Banda (under-16
boys), Linda Msiska (under-16 girls), Austin Phiri (under-14-boys), Diana
Nyirenda (under-14 girls) and Junior Mkandawire (under-12 boys).
The two-day championship ended on Sunday and it attracted 50 players from tennis zones of Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.
Banda defeated Sekalani Makuluni in the boys’ under-16 final 6-2 whereas Phiri won the title for the under-14 final after beating Golden Kamanga 4-0.
In the boys’ under-12final, Mkandawire emerged champion after beatingPrecious Lipenga 4-2.
Atupele Kadam’manja won the girls’ under-12 titlethey beat Tigresses 33-25 before edging out Lameck Queens 30-4.
On Sunday, the Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League champions continued with their winning streak as they beat Blue Eagles 31-21and Thunder Queens
36-27.
Diamonds Assistant Coach, Noel Musa,said his team has an advantage going into the next rounds scheduled for Mzuzu and Lilongwe.
“Our target is to defend the title. Of course, it will not be easy due to the new
Fast Five format we are using. But we hope to continue from where we have left and defend the title,” Musa said.
In Sunday’s games, Civonets beat Tigresses 32-21, much to the delight of the Lilongwe team’s Coach, White Mulilima.
“If we are to snatch the title from Diamonds, we need to work hard.
So far we have played four games, won three and lost one to Diamonds. They are the only team that is giving us headache, but we will upset them especially at our backyard in Lilongwe,” Mulilima said. after beating Irene Sibande 7-4 whereas Msiska claimed the under-16 girls’ championship following her 6-2 6-4 victory over Mwaiwathu Kadam’manja.
Nyirenda defeated Wendy Gamula 4-1 4-0 in the under-14final.
Mzuzu senior player, Happy Shonga, who also acts as the Mzuzu team’s coach, attributed their success to support from non- governmental organisation, Saved by the Ball.
Lawn Tennis Association of Malawi President, Wilson Kyumba, said the tournamentwas a success.
“Through this competition,we will be able to rate players and outstanding ones will be considered for international tournaments,” he said.
Sparc Systems ManagingDirector, Wisely Phiri, pledged continued support to tennis.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
